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1. With limited resources available, spay/neuter takes priorityOne study found the prevalence of FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and FeLV(feline leukemia virus) in the unowned, free-roaming cat population – approximately 8%tested positive for one or the other virus 2 - is similar to that in the pet cat population. Onaverage then, based on this study, testing 1000 feral cats will result in the identification of80 cats testing positive for either FIV or FeLV. Even assuming a low cost of $12 per test,that would mean spending $12,000 to identify 80 cats with positive test results. Thatsame $12,000, at an average spay/neuter cost of $50, could be put instead towardsneutering 240 ferals. Because funds are limited and the primary goal of TNR is notdisease control but to stem overpopulation, neutering 240 more cats should take priorityover identifying 80 positive test results.In addition, as explained in detail below, correct veterinary protocol requires retestingat a later date to confirm the initial diagnosis. Retesting isn’t practical with feral cats andis rarely done. Instead, a feral cat’s fate is determined on the basis of only one test, aquestionable practice, especially if the cat is showing no signs of illness.2. Spay/neuter can be a more effective means of disease preventionEven if disease prevention is considered an important objective for a TNR program,investing in spay/neuter may have more benefits than trying to identify and cull positivecats. With respect to FIV, the primary mode of transmission is deep bite wounds. Thistype of injury is most often inflicted by male cats during fights provoked by matingbehavior. Neutering males thus eliminates the most prevalent form of FIV transmission.With respect to FeLV, experience and research has shown that kittens are the greatest “atrisk” population among feral cats, 3 probably because their immature immune systems arenot capable of fighting off infection. Spay/neuter, of course, prevents the birth of kittensand hence the spread of the virus. Spay/neuter eliminates sexual activity, another route ofFeLV transmission.3. The kinds of tests normally used on ferals are unreliableThe FIV/FeLV “test” is a misnomer. Each virus is actually tested for separately,although the tests may be combined into one kit. There are also different kinds of testsavailable for each virus. Depending on which virus is being tested for and which type oftest is being used, the results may be unreliable.• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)When it comes to testing feral cats for the FIV virus, most veterinarians and clinicsuse the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) test. Commonly referred to as a2 Lee IT, Levy JK, Gorman SP, Crawford PC, Slater MR, Prevalence of feline leukemia virus infection andserum antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus in unowned free-roaming cats (2002) Journal ofthe American Veterinary Medical Association, Vol. 220:620-622.3 Ibid.121