A European organization is challenging advice that cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) should be euthanized. 
Don't put moggie down just because he's FIV positive
Photo: Debbie Schiel
The European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD) says that as FIV has a long latent or asymptomatic phase, lasting up to five years in some cases, infected cats in specific categories may have a good life expectancy and should not be put to sleep automatically.
FIV is usually spread via saliva by biting. An infected cat may not show clinical signs of the disease, which include chronic rhinitis, weight loss and chronic gingivostomatitis, during the latent period. The ABCD says that FIV-infected cats should receive prompt treatment for secondary infections, and should be checked by a veterinary surgeon every six months.
The Board was established to compile guidelines for the prevention and management of major feline diseases in Europe, based on current scientific knowledge. Animal healthcare company Merial help set up the ABCD, and supports it through funding, but ABCD stresses that its recommendations, guidelines and published findings are the Board's responsibility.
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