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Artois, M.; Remond, M.
Viral diseases as a threat to free-living wild cats (Felis silvestris) in Continental Europe
1994 Veterinary Record (134): 651-652
Among other factors, diseases are considered as a potential threat for isolated populations of the European wildcat (_Felis silvestris_). Previous reports indicated that viral diseases, including feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) could infect free-living wildcats and have a potential demographic impact. Five wildcats were box-trapped, anaesthetised, blood sampled and then released. Three additional serum samples were obtained from dead wildcats. FeLV antigen and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies were checked using an ELISA method using commercial kits in the serum of the eight cats. For the five trapped cats serum neutralising antibodies were also assessed by cell-culture for calicivirus and herpesvirus, and by haemagglutination for parvovirus. Sera from the three additional cats were examined for herpesvirus and rabies antibodies but not calicivirus or parvovirus.
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