Study Start Date: 04/02/2007
Study End Date: 01/30/2008

National Feline Abscess/Bite Wound Retroviral Prevalence Study

I am working with IDEXX on a national study to determine the prevalence of FeLV/FIV at the time of treatment for abscess/bite wounds, the compliance rate with recommendations to retest 2 months after the abscess (as recommended by AAFP), and the conversion-to-positive rate documented at the time of retesting. The study design requires veterinary participants to:(A) Test cats for FeLV/FIV at the time of wound treatment (B) Recommend retesting in 2 months and retest if possible, and (C) Report results of both tests along with some patient information. We have completed a pilot study using this design and had some very interesting results: -19% of cats were already infected with FeLV and/or FIV at the time of the wound treatment -only 13% of owners complied with the recommendation to retest 2 months after a high-risk event. This suggests that the infection rate at the time of wound treatment is extremely high and that the compliance rate for retesting later is extremely low. These results were quite a surprise to us. Please help us further investigate these findings by joining our national study. IDEXX will provide some support for testing services. Sign-up information is attached. Do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide any additional information.

Study Design:
Prospective Cross-sectional prevalence study.

Sample Size:
Thousands (not limited)

Inclusion criteria:
All cats presented for treatment of a cutaneous abscess or bite wound.

Exclusion Criteria:
Cats which cannot be tested for FeLV and FIV at the time of would treatment.

Samples:
No samples will be submitted. Reports of FIV and FeLV testing will be provided.

Costs/Reimbursements:
Cost of testing will not be reimbursed. IDEXX product credits are awarded on a per case basis.

Full Disclosure information:

• The study is funded by a grant from IDEXX Laboratories.
• The investigator lectures on this topic with corporate sponsorship.
• The study will be published if results are negative.
• The study will be reported on VIN.
• The authors will acknowledge VIN if the study is published.