Retrospective Analysis of Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Frequency in Domestic Cats in Quito, Ecuador (2021–2024)

Feline leukemia (FeLV) is a viral disease that primarily affects domestic cats (Felis catus), with high mortality rates because it mainly targets the immune system and is also associated with lymphomas. The objective of this study is to retrospectively analyze the prevalence of FeLV in cats treated at veterinary centers in the city of Quito, between September 2021 and December 2024. Data were obtained from diagnostic test results conducted at the Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Genetics (LABIGEN) using RT-qPCR. A total of 850 samples met the inclusion criteria. FeLV was detected in 28.59% (243/850) of samples, with a slightly higher prevalence in males (53.50%) than females (46.50%). Regarding age, 54.32% (132/243) were between 1 and 5 years, 22.22% (54/243) were between 1 and 11 months, 18.52% (45/243) were between 5 and 10 years, and 4.94% (12/243) were between 10 and 19 years. In conclusion, the prevalence of FeLV in Quito, Ecuador, is high, requiring greater efforts to prevent and control this disease, in pursuit of animal health and well-being.