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L¢pez, G.; Mart¡nez, F.; Meli, M.L.; Bach-Raich, E.; Mart¡nez-Granados, C.; L¢pez-Parra, M.; Fern ndez, L.; Ruiz, G.; Vargas, A.; Molina, I.; D¡az-Portero, M.A.; Gil-S nchez, J.M.; Cadenas, R.; Pastor, J.; Lutz, H.; Sim¢n, M.A.
A feline leukemia virus (FeLV) outbreak in the Do¤ana Iberian lynx population
2009  Book Chapter

The Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that affects domestic cats all over the world, occasionally affecting other felid species. Its pathogenic effects generally include anemia, immunosuppression and tumors. In the Iberian lynx (_Lynx pardinus_), sporadic contact has been detected since the virus began to be monitored in the population, although no outbreak had ever been detected before 2007. During the first half of 2007, an FeLV outbreak was detected in Coto del Rey, the densest subpopulation within the Do¤ana Iberian lynx population. The outbreak showed a rapid dissemination, 66% of the individuals in the nucleus being infected during the first trimester of the year. The infection showed an acute response and high associated mortality. Given that the occurrence of the outbreak threatened the scarce Do¤ana Iberian lynx population, a management programme was carried out to stop the dispersion of the virus over the population. The management measures included in the control programme included the following: 1) removal of viremic lynxes; 2) vaccination of negative individuals and 3) reduction of the feral cat population (which is thought to be the primary vector for the FeLV infection in lynxes). Around 80% of the total lynx population and 90% of the outbreak focus subpopulation could be evaluated. Finally, the outbreak could be controlled during 2007, probably due to the application of the management measures. A total of 12 infected individuals were found, most of them showing signs of nonregenerating anemia and associated immunosuppression. Two of them sequestered the virus and live normally in the field, while eight of them have died.

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