Modelling the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in natural populations of cats (Felis catus)

Theor Popul Biol. 1997 Aug;52(1):60-70. doi: 10.1006/tpbi.1997.1320.

Abstract

A compartmental model was built in order to study the circulation and impact of Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) in populations of domestic cats. The model was tested with data from a long-term study of several feline populations. The study of stability shows that FeLV is maintained in the population with a stable equilibrium and a slight reduction of population size. Estimation of the transmission rate allows us to make a comparison with the values previously estimated in the literature. We compare the impact of mass vaccination or removal programmes in controlling FeLV infection, and conclude that vaccination is more efficient.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cats
  • Computer Simulation
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • France / epidemiology
  • Immunization
  • Leukemia Virus, Feline* / pathogenicity
  • Logistic Models
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Population Dynamics
  • Prevalence
  • Retroviridae Infections / prevention & control*
  • Retroviridae Infections / transmission
  • Tumor Virus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / transmission