Occurrence and risk factors of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) in cats of Lebanon.

A cross-sectional study was carried out between April 2020 and August 2021. Blood samples were collected from 260 household cats recruited in different clinics in North and Mount Lebanon, with the aim of determining the seroprevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). The seroprevalence reported reached 18.84% (95% CI 0.14-0.24) and 13.84% (95% CI 0.09-0.18) for FIV and FeLV, respectively. FIV seropositivity was associated with a younger age, health and neuter status, lymphoma, lethargy, and vomiting. Furthermore, male sex, neuter status, lymphoma, anaemia, lethargy, and vomiting were significantly associated with FeLV seropositivity. This first data from Lebanon emphasizes the need for implementing preventive programmes to cope with FIV- and FeLV-associated morbidity and mortality among cats.
Competing Interests: Declarations of interest None.
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