Risk of infectious disease in pet cats

A study was performed evaluate socioeconomic factors on the occurrence of FIV, FCV, and FHV-1 infection in client-owned cats. A total of 1044 cases between January 2010 and July 2017 in Australia were evaluated based on Socio-Economic Indexes For Areas (SEIFA).

A significant correlation was observed between areas of lower socioeconomic status and a higher number of reported cases of FIV infection. Postcodes with SEIFA indexes below the Australian median economic level were 1.6-2.3 times more likely to have reported cases of FIV infection. FIV-infected cats were more likely to be older, male neutered, and non-pedigreed.