USE OF AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC MODEL TO EVALUATE FELINE LEUKEMIA-VIRUS CONTROL MEASURES

Successful vaccination and removal programs have greatly reduced the i ncidence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in the United States pet cat population over the last decade. Still, a significant proportion of fr ee-roaming pet and feral cats remain chronically infected with the vir us. A mathematical model was created to explore previously published d ynamics of this virus against a set of purpose-designed differential e quations in a ''virtual world'' in which the effects of vaccination an d test and removal programs on the prevalence of FeLV in selected subp opulations of domestic cats could be studied. The results of the hypot heses are reported and discussed.