Feline Leukemia Virus in Florida Panthers
Author Information
Author(s): Brown Meredith A., Cunningham Mark W., Roca Alfred L., Troyer Jennifer L., Johnson Warren E., O’Brien Stephen J.
Primary Institution: National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
Hypothesis
The emergent strain of FeLV, a novel subgroup A, was probably transmitted to panthers by a domestic cat.
Conclusion
The outbreak of feline leukemia virus in Florida panthers likely originated from a single cross-species transmission from a domestic cat.
Supporting Evidence
- From 2002 through 2005, an outbreak of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) occurred in Florida panthers.
- Clinical signs included lymphadenopathy, anemia, septicemia, and weight loss; 5 panthers died.
- Genetic analysis determined that the outbreak likely came from 1 cross-species transmission from a domestic cat.
- FeLV-Pco sequences were most similar to the well-characterized FeLV-945 strain, which is highly virulent in domestic cats.
Takeaway
Florida panthers got sick from a virus that usually affects domestic cats, and it likely came from one cat.
Methodology
Blood and tissue samples were collected from 61 free-ranging pumas and tested for FeLV antigen and antibody.
Limitations
The study is limited by the retrospective nature of the data and the small sample size of panthers that were necropsied.
Participant Demographics
The study involved free-ranging Florida panthers, primarily from southern Florida.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website