Prevalence Of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Research Articles

Epidemiological and clinicopathological findings of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus infections in domestic cats from the Brazilian semiarid region

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are retroviruses of great importance for domestic cats with a worldwide distribution. A retrospective study was conducted to determine the epidemiological and clinicopathological aspects of the infection by FIV and FeLV in cats from the Brazilian semiarid region. Cats treated between 2011 and 2021 at the teaching veterinary hospital of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region that were submitted to a point-of-care (POC) test to detect anti-FIV IgG antibodies and FeLV antigen were enrolled in the study. Overall, 454 cats were selected, of which 30.2% [95% CI = 26.0% – 34.3%] were FIV-positive, 1.1% [95% CI = 0.9% – 1.2%] were FeLV-positive, and 0.7% [95% CI = 0.1% – 1.3%] were coinfected by both retroviruses. No statistical association was found between the studied retroviruses (P = 0.144). Multivariable analysis detected significant associations between FIV infection and male sex [OR = 5.7, 95% CI = 3.0–10.7, P < 0.0001), age between 19 and 78 months [OR = 5.2, 95% CI = 2.2–12.1, P < 0.0001], age greater than 78 months [OR = 12.8, 95% CI = 5.1–31.9, P < 0.0001], crossbreed [OR = 4.1, 95% CI = 1.2–13.4, P = 0.021], the presence of oral disease [OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.3–3.4, P = 0.004], reduced red blood cell (RBC) count [OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.9–7.2, P < 0.0001], and an albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio lower than 0.6 [OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.6–7.1, P = 0.001]. No statistical analyses were performed for FeLV infection due to the low number of positive animals. In the quantitative analyses of hematological parameters, FIV-positive cats presented lower values for RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, lymphocytes, and platelets compared to the negative animals. In the biochemical profile, cats infected with FIV showed higher creatinine, urea, total protein, and globulin values, while lower values for albumin and A:G ratio were observed (P < 0.05). The findings of this study characterized the prevalence, clinicopathological findings, and risk factors associated with FIV and FeLV in cats from the Brazilian semiarid region. They may help support veterinary practitioners in diagnosing feline retroviruses. The FIV prevalence observed is among the highest reported in Brazil, demonstrating the need for prevention and control strategies for this retrovirus.

Razotkrivanje stanja: istraživanje prevalencije virusa mačje imunodeficijencije i virusa mačje leukemije među mačkama iz skloništa u Portugalu

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) are important pathogens affecting feline hosts worldwide, compromising the health, well-being, quality of life, and lifespan of infected cats. This study explores the prevalence of these viral agents among shelter cats in Portugal, aiming to unravel their complexities and implications. The prevalence of FIV and FeLV was assessed by collecting blood samples (n = 326) from cats during medical routine check-ups at shelter admission and testing them with an immunochromatographic kit. The overall seroprevalence of FIV and FeLV was 15.3% (50/326, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.6–19.7). The proportion of cats positive to FIV, FeLV, and both FIV and FeLV was 9.8% (32/326, 95% CI: 6.8-13.6), 2.1% (7/326, 95% CI: 0.9-4.4) and 3.4% (11/326, 95% CI: 1.7-6.0), respectively. The prevalence of FIV and both FeLV and FIV appeared to be higher in the adult population. No statistical association was found between sex, breed, hair, or municipality, and FeLV, FIV and both FeLV and FIV prevalence. This is the first report on retroviral prevalence in shelter cats in Portugal, which provides important information regarding FIV and FeLV among stray cats in Portugal, highlighting the need for surveillance of those viruses, improved compliance with vaccination programmes, and vigilant management strategies to limit and control these viruses in the felinepopulation.

Coinfection with Leishmania infantum and Toxoplasma gondii in Domestic Cats from a Region with a High Prevalence of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.

The aim of this study was to investigate the coinfection of feline retroviruses (feline immunodeficiency virus-FIV, and the feline leukemia virus-FeLV) with Leishmania infantum and Toxoplasma gondii and the factors associated with these pathogens in domestic cats from Mossoró, a city endemic for canine and human leishmaniasis situated in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil. Blood samples from 120 cats were collected, and an epidemiological questionnaire was applied to investigate the risk factors associated with the infections. Retroviruses, L. infantum, and T. gondii infections were assessed using a point-of-care ELISA and quantitative PCR (qPCR), indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and qPCR, and IFAT, respectively. The overall seroprevalences observed were 35% (95% CI = 27.0-43.8%) for FIV, 0.8% (95% CI = 0.1-4.5%) for FeLV, 25.8% (95% CI = 18.8-34.3%) for T. gondii, and 4.2% (95% CI = 1.7-9.3%) for L. infantum. Coinfection with FIV and L. infantum was observed in 2.5% (3/120) of the assessed cats, while 12.5% (15/120) were coinfected with FIV and T. gondii. No significant association was found among the investigated agents (p > 0.05). The factors associated with FIV infection in the multivariable analysis were male sex and age above 78 months. The findings of this study demonstrated a high rate of FIV infection in cats from the Brazilian semiarid region and the exposure of these animals to zoonotic and opportunistic agents. Due to the immunosuppressive potential of FIV, cats infected with this retrovirus should be screened for coinfections with L. infantum and T. gondii, and preventative measures should be adopted.

Feral Cat Populations and Feline Retrovirus Prevalence in San Mateo County, California in Three Time Periods between 2001 and 2016.

This study was initiated in 2004 because the prevalence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infections in feral cats in San Mateo County (SMC) was not known. The cities attributed to the feral cat population presented to the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA's Spay/Neuter Clinic and to the Shelter itself were analyzed to examine potential geographic concentrations of feral cats with positive retroviral status. Trends in FIV and FeLV status were examined in three 3-year periods (2001-2003, 2005-2007, and 2014-2016). Population trends over the 15 years of this study for feral cats admitted to the Shelter were also examined. In each study period, more female feral cats were presented to the S/N Clinic (54.06%, 57.37%, 54.89%). FIV prevalence increased from 5.52% to 6.41% (p = 0.29) from the first to third period; FeLV prevalence decreased significantly from 1.73% to 0.29% (p = 0.01). Significantly more FIV-positive males than females were identified each year and for each period (p &lt; 0.01). The four largest SMC cities were the major source of feral cats to the Shelter, S/N Clinic, and of FIV- and FeLV-positive cats in the first two periods; in the third period, 50% of feral cats to the Shelter and of FeLV-positive cats were from these cities. Despite a 61.63% reduction in feral cat admissions to the S/N Clinic, the FIV prevalence for males remained similar and increased for females. The retrovirus prevalence suggests the need for continued testing and surveillance of FIV among SMC free-living cats.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia Virus Infection in Healthy Cats in Thailand.

Infections with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) occur worldwide and are among the most important infectious diseases in cats. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of FIV and FeLV infection in healthy outdoor cats in North, Northeast and Central Thailand. So far, a study on retrovirus prevalence of healthy cats in Thailand in a larger geographic area has not been published yet. In addition, risk factors for FIV and FeLV infections were evaluated. Two hundred sixty healthy cats were prospectively recruited. They originated from 13 locations in North, Northeast, and Central Thailand and were presented for either preventive health care and/or neutering. In each cat, a physical examination was performed to confirm health status. FIV and FeLV status was determined using a commercial rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (SNAP Combo Plus FeLV/FIV, IDEXX). Risk factors were analyzed by binary logistic regression analysis. Samples of 15/260 (5.8%) cats were positive for FIV antibodies, and 11/260 (4.2%) samples were positive for FeLV antigen. One of the 260 (0.4%) cats was positive for both, FIV and FeLV infection. In binary logistic regression analysis, no parameter was associated with a higher risk for FeLV infection. However, cats had a significantly (p = 0.025) higher risk for FIV infection when they were 2 years or older. FIV and FeLV infections occur in healthy cats in North, Northeast and Central Thailand, but prevalence was lower than expected. No risk factors for FeLV infection were detected, but risk for FIV infection increases with age.

Infection with Dirofilaria immitis and Other Infections in Cats and Dogs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The Need for Prophylactic Enforcement.

Dirofilaria immitis, a mosquito-borne nematode that primarily infects dogs, can equally infect cats. Although there have been numerous studies on canine heartworm prevalence in Brazil, there have been few studies on feline infections. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are both life-threatening retroviruses transmitted directly between cats. Infections with Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. are highly prevalent among dogs in Brazil, with Rhipicephalus sanguineus being the main vector for both bacteria. This study aimed to gather information on these infections among dogs and cats in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro by performing rapid point-of-care tests for prophylactic enforcement. Surplus samples of serum or plasma from private laboratories were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (SNAP Feline Triple Test or SNAP 4Dx Plus Test). The prevalence of heartworm disease was 7% among dogs and 0.9% among cats, the latter being 12.9% of the former. The prevalence of FIV and FeLV was 4.3 and 11.9%, respectively. Among dogs, the seroprevalence of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. was 27.1 and 9.8%, respectively, and Borrelia burgdorferi was not detected. Given that such infections circulate among pets, prophylactic measures should be encouraged by small animal practitioners.

Cross-species transmission of retroviruses among domestic and wild felids in human-occupied landscapes in Chile.

Human transformation of natural habitats facilitates pathogen transmission between domestic and wild species. The guigna (Leopardus guigna), a small felid found in Chile, has experienced habitat loss and an increased probability of contact with domestic cats. Here, we describe the interspecific transmission of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) between domestic cats and guignas and assess its correlation with human landscape perturbation. Blood and tissue samples from 102 free‐ranging guignas and 262 domestic cats were collected and analyzed by PCR and sequencing. Guigna and domestic cat FeLV and FIV prevalence were very similar. Phylogenetic analysis showed guigna FeLV and FIV sequences are positioned within worldwide domestic cat virus clades with high nucleotide similarity. Guigna FeLV infection was significantly associated with fragmented landscapes with resident domestic cats. There was little evidence of clinical signs of disease in guignas. Our results contribute to the understanding of the implications of landscape perturbation and emerging diseases.

Prevalence of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Toxoplasma gondii in Feral Cats on St. Kitts, West Indies.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite that infects all warm-blooded species including humans. The definitive hosts of T. gondii are felid vertebrates including the domestic cat. Domestic cats shed oocysts for approximately two weeks in their feces after the primary infection. It has been shown that feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) positive cats have a higher prevalence of and a higher titer of antibodies to T. gondii than those of FIV-negative cats. The main purposes of this study were to determine FIV prevalence and to investigate the oocysts shedding in FIV-positive and FIV-negative feral cats on St. Kitts. Fecal samples were collected from feral cats while their FIV statues were determined using a commercial SNAP kit. Total fecal DNA of each cat was tested for the presence of T. gondii DNA using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) consistently detecting one genome equivalent. A FIV-positive status was detected in 18 of 105 (17.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 9.9%−24.3%) feral cats sampled. Furthermore, males were three times more likely to be FIV positive than females (p = 0.017) with an odds ratio of 3.93 (95% CI: 1.20–12.89). Adults were found to have at least twice the prevalence of FIV compared to cats younger than one year of age (p = 0.056) with an odds ratio of 3.07 (95% CI: 0.94–10.00). Toxoplasma gondii DNA was not detected in the feces of any of the 18 FIV-positive (95% CI: 0%−0.18%) and 87 FIV-negative cats (95% CI: 0%−0.04%). A follow-up study with a much bigger sample size is needed to prove or disprove the hypothesis that FIV-positive cats have a higher prevalence of shedding T. gondii oocysts than FIV-negative cats.

Retrospective study of retroviruses by immunoenzymatic test on cats in Grande Vitória (ES, Brazil) and associated neoplasms.

Retroviruses are among the leading causes of death in domestic cats. Retroviruses associate with the host cell in a persistent and permanent way, leading to diverse clinical conditions. The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is the most pathogenic retrovirus with the potential to cause both degenerative diseases and immunosuppression, as well as proliferative diseases, as its association with the cell may lead to a direct oncogenic effect. The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), in turn, can lead to the classic immunodeficiency syndrome, usually has a chronic, less aggressive course and has no direct oncogenic effect. The use of vaccines and control measures has resulted in a decrease in the prevalence of FeLV in the United States of America (USA) and Europe, however, in Brazil, statistics show prevalence rates above 50%. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of feline retroviruses, by immunoenzymatic assay testing, in the region of Grande Vitória, in Espírito Santo and also point out the frequency of neoplasms in these cats. A total of 388 cats were retrospectively evaluated (2014-2016). The prevalence of FIV was 2.3% and FeLV was 33.7%. Neoplasms were identified in the three cats seropositive for FIV and FeLV and in three cats infected only with FIV. Neoplasms were also found in 26.6% of cats that were seropositive only for FeLV, especially mediastinal lymphoma. The high prevalence of FeLV demonstrated in this study highlights the need for establishing effective control measures, with emphasis on vaccination.

Is there a link between tobacco smoke exposure and the development of alimentary lymphoma in cats?

Lymphoma is the most common tumour affecting cats, and the incidence of this tumour type appears to be higher in cats than in any other species. Despite this, the potential...

Feline immunodeficiency virus in Northern Ceará, Brazil.

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to confirm the prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in domestic cats in the region north of Ceará, Brazil, and to determine the factors associated with infection and the major circulating subtypes of the virus in this area.MethodsSamples from 148 cats were collected and tested using anti-FIV antibody screening, with confirmation of positive results by PCR. Univariate analysis was performed considering the epidemiological characteristics and FIV status. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the gag and pol genes were performed to confirm the FIV subtype.ResultsNine cats (6.1%) tested positive for FIV – one female (0.7%) and eight males (5.4%). Male cats were significantly more likely to be infected (P <0.05). Phylogenetic analysis of gag and pol gene sequences indicated that the FIV isolates circulating in the study area belonged to subtype B.Conclusions and relevanceIn this study, we demonstrated a low prevalence for FIV in the northwest of Ceará, north-eastern Brazil. Male sex is a significant risk factor for FIV infection and the best predictive factor for FIV status. All isolates examined in this study clustered within subtype B, which is the predominant subtype in Brazil. This is the first report of genetic characterization of FIV in the state of Ceará, Brazil.

Prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus in domestic cats in Hungary.

ObjectivesFeline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) are retroviruses affecting cats worldwide. The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of these retroviruses in domestic cats in Hungary and to characterise the phylogenetic relationships of FIV strains.MethodsA total of 335 anticoagulated whole-blood samples obtained from both a healthy and ill cat population were examined for the presence of FIV and FeLV with two methods: ELISA and PCR. Statistical analysis was carried out to analyse the data obtained. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of partial polymerase (pol) gene sequences was performed to describe circulating FIV subtypes.ResultsStatistical analysis showed 11.8% and 9.9% true prevalence of FeLV and FIV, respectively, with ELISA. The apparent prevalence calculated from the PCR results were 17.3% for FeLV and 13.1% for FIV. Phylogenetic analysis of partial pol gene sequences obtained from 22 FIV strains showed that all observed Hungarian strains belonged to FIV subtype B. The strains were grouped into several monophyletic subgroups reflecting the geographic locations of the origin of the samples. The overall mean genetic similarity between the analysed strains was 98.2%.Conclusions and relevanceWe report the first thorough overview of the prevalence of FeLV and FIV in Hungary, which is relatively high, and give insight into the genetic diversity of Hungarian strains of FIV.

Prevalentiestudie naar feliene immunodefiëntievirus en feliene leukosevirus bij straatkatten in Gent

Het feliene immunodeficiëntievirus (FIV) en het feliene leukosevirus (FeLV) zijn twee ziekteverwekkers bij de kat die de gezondheid van het dier op lange termijn aantasten. Zwerfkatten vormen een reservoir voor het behoud en de verspreiding van beide virussen tussen wilde dieren en naar gezelschapsdieren. Stad Gent voert al jarenlang een zwerfkattenbeleid volgens het vangen-castreren-terugplaatsen- (“trap-neuter-return”) principe, waarbij FIV- of FeLV-positief-testende katten geëuthanaseerd worden. Om de invloed van het bestrijdingsplan van Stad Gent op de prevalentie van FIV en FeLV te onderzoeken, werden data van zwerfkatten gevangen in 2009 en 2017 met elkaar vergeleken. Wat FeLV betreft, werd een sterke daling gezien (van 9,9% naar 0,7%). Bij FIV bleven opvallende verschillen uit (9,1% versus 10,3%). Er was ook een verschuiving waarneembaar van zowel het aantal gevangen zwerfkatten als van positief-testende katten van de binnenstad naar de randgebieden. Aanvullend onderzoek is aangeraden om meer factoren in kaart te brengen die de evolutie van FIV en FeLV bij verwilderde katten in de regio Gent bepalen.

Prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus &amp; feline leukemia virus in clinically healthy cats in Khon Kaen province

Prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus &amp; feline leukemia virus in clinically healthy cats in Khon Kaen province

Prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus infection in Malaysia: a retrospective study.

ObjectivesFeline ownership is popular and represents the largest segment of the pet population in Malaysia. Most feline owners own, on average, 2–3 cats, with some having >10 cats per household. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) are two clinically important viral infections in cats. Documenting the prevalence of these diseases in the feline population is important for both veterinarians and the public.MethodsThis was a retrospective study, using data collected from the domestic cat population seen at a 24 h private veterinary hospital in Malaysia, to determine the prevalence of FIV and FeLV in an urban area and risk factors associated with these infections. Between 2010 and 2016, 2230 blood samples were collected and tested for FIV antibodies and FeLV antigen using commercially available ELISA test kits.ResultsIn total, 10.0% (n = 224; 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.80–11.26) were seropositive for FIV; 12.0% (n = 267; 95% CI 10.62–13.32) were seropositive for FeLV; and 2.6% (n = 58; 95% CI 2.01–3.17) were seropositive for both.Conclusions and relevanceThe prevalence of FIV is lower and FeLV higher than previously documented for this region. Because of the immunosuppressive potential of both viruses, client education and use of appropriate control strategies such as routine screening, vaccination and eradication should be considered.

First Molecular Characterization of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in Domestic Cats from Mainland China.

The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus of the Lentivirus genus that was initially isolated from a colony of domestic cats in California in 1986 and has now been recognized as a common feline pathogen worldwide. To date, there is only one recent serology-based report on FIV in mainland China which was published in 2016. We designed this study to investigate the molecular prevalence and diversity of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in domestic cats from mainland China. We studied the prevalence of FIV in whole blood samples of 615 domestic cats in five cities (Beijing, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Shanghai and Yangzhou) of mainland China and examined them using FRET-PCR (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer-Polymerase Chain Reaction) and regular PCRs for the gag and env genes. Overall, 1.3% (8/615) of the cats were positive for provirus DNA with nucleotide analysis using PCRs for the gag and env sequences showing the cats were infected with FIV subtype A. This is the first molecular characterization of FIV in mainland China and the first description of subtype A in continental Asia.

The protective rate of the feline immunodeficiency virus vaccine: An Australian field study

A case-control field study was undertaken to determine the level of protection conferred to client-owned cats in Australia against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) using a commercial vaccine. 440 cats with outdoor access from five Australian states/territories underwent testing, comprising 139 potential cases (complete course of primary FIV vaccinations and annual boosters for three or more years), and 301 potential controls (age, sex and postcode matched FIV-unvaccinated cats). FIV status was determined using a combination of antibody testing (using point-of-care test kits) and nucleic acid amplification, as well as virus isolation in cases where results were discordant and in all suspected FIV-vaccinated/FIV-infected cats (‘vaccine breakthroughs’). Stringent inclusion criteria were applied to both ‘cases’ and ‘controls’; 89 FIV-vaccinated cats and 212 FIV-unvaccinated cats ultimately satisfied the inclusion criteria. Five vaccine breakthroughs (5/89; 6%), and 25 FIV-infected controls (25/212; 12%) were identified, giving a vaccine protective rate of 56% (95% CI −20 to 84). The difference in FIV prevalence rates between the two groups was not significant (P=0.14). Findings from this study raise doubt concerning the efficacy of Fel-O-Vax FIV® under field conditions. Screening for FIV infection may be prudent before annual FIV re-vaccination and for sick FIV-vaccinated cats. Owners should not rely on vaccination alone to protect cats against the risk of acquiring FIV infection; other measures such as cat curfews, the use of ‘modular pet parks’ or keeping cats exclusively indoors, are recommended.

Risk factors and effect of selective removal on retroviral infections prevalence in Belgian stray cats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of several risk/protective factors and predictors on the prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infections...

Patterns of seroprevalence of feline viruses among domestic cats (Felis catus) and Pallas’ cats (Otocolobus manul) in Daursky Reserve, Russia

Few data are available on the prevalence of feline viruses in the wild and little is known about natural sources of infections. The aim of this study was to estimate patterns of seroprevalence to feline viruses (feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline herpesvirus (FHV), and feline leukemia virus (FeLV)) in two cat species, domestic cats (Felis catus L., 1758) (n = 61) and Pallas’ cats (Otocolobus manul (Pallas, 1776)) (n = 24), living in the same area, in Daursky Reserve, Russia. Our results indicate that four of five viruses are circulating in the study area, with the exception of FHV. The pattern of FCV and FPV prevalence differed from FIV and FeLV. FCV and FPV seroprevalence did not depend on the sex and predominated in the group of cats living in the village (76% and 55%, respectively). No Pallas’ cats were seropositive to these viruses. The prevalence of FIV and FeLV were similar in areas with different cat densities (at the stations (16% for both viruses) and in the village (16% for both viruses)). The patterns of seroprevalence between species testify to the low rate of interspecific contacts. In Pallas’ cats, we found the presence of antibodies to FIV to be 5% and antigens of FeLV to be 5%, pathogens for which transmission demand close direct contacts between animals (mainly aggressive and (or) sexual contact), which is typical in the breeding season. Arid climate may also reduce patterns of viral prevalence in the study area, decreasing the risk of infection for both cat species.

Evaluation of biochemical and haematological parameters and prevalence of selected pathogens in feral cats from urban and rural habitats in South Korea.

In this study, we evaluated the potential association between the habitat types of feral cats and the prevalence of selected infectious pathogens and health status based on a set of blood parameters. We live-trapped 72 feral cats from two different habitat types: an urban area (n = 48) and a rural agricultural area (n = 24). We compared blood values and the prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and haemotropic Mycoplasma infection in feral cats from the two contrasting habitats. Significant differences were observed in several blood values (haematocrit, red blood cells, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine) depending on the habitat type and/or sex of the cat. Two individuals from the urban area were seropositive for FIV (3.0%), and eight (12.1%) were positive for FeLV infection (five from an urban habitat and three from a rural habitat). Haemoplasma infection was more common. Based on molecular analysis, 38 cats (54.3%) were positive for haemoplasma, with a significantly higher infection rate in cats from rural habitats (70.8%) compared with urban cats (47.8%). Our study recorded haematological and serum biochemical values, and prevalence of selected pathogens in feral cat populations from two different habitat types. A subset of important laboratory parameters from rural cats showed values under or above the corresponding reference intervals for healthy domestic cats, suggesting potential differences in the health status of feral cats depending on the habitat type. Our findings provide information about the association between 1) blood values (haematological and serum biochemistry parameters) and 2) prevalence of selected pathogen infections and different habitat types; this may be important for veterinarians who work with feral and/or stray cats and for overall cat welfare management.