Feline Leukemia in Iraq: A Case Report

Abstract

Feline leukemia virus is a highly infectious virus among cats, spread primarily via saliva, mutual grooming and aggressive behaviors. This virus cause disorders of hematopoiesis, immune suppression, anemia lymphomas and leukemias. Blood samples were obtained from a client owned 4 years male cat presented to a veterinary private clinic in Baghdad governorate for checking and tested by using the anigen FIV/FeLV rapid kits (manufactured by Bionote, validated from OIE reference laboratories, republic of Korea) to detect FeLV antigen (94% sensitivity of FeLV Ag, 99% specificity) and by blood sample analysis. The result was positive for the leukemic antigen. This is the first confirmatory diagnosis of FeLV in iraq.