Survey of veterinary conference attendees for evidence of zoonotic infection by feline retroviruses.

Objective—To examine exposure risks, possibility of zoonosis, and potential disease associations for feline retroviruses among a group of occupationally exposed individuals. Design—Unlinked voluntary cross-sectional epidemiologic survey. Sample Population—204 veterinarians, laboratory scientists, and other occupationally exposed individuals who attended a veterinary conference on feline geriatric medicine. Procedure—Blood was collected from participants who also completed a 13-question survey requesting demographic, occupational, exposure, and health information. Blood specimens were fractionated into plasma and mononuclear cell components. Plasma was tested for antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline foamy virus (FeFV), as well as p27 antigen of FeLV. Mononuclear cell lysates were tested for FeLV provirus. Results—Subjects reported extensive duration of work with cats (mean, 17.3 years) and multiple highrisk exposures (eg, cat bites, scratches, and injuries with sharp instrument...