Lion Country - Exclusive

The following is from the Lion Country series, but I thought it was worth putting on this thread

Feline Immune Deficiency Virus (FIV) is closely related to Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV). Although the virus has only been recognised in the past few decades, it is thought that it could have been present in some lion populations for hundreds of years. There is still uncertainty about the impact of the virus on the lions’ health. To date, six strains of the lion-specific strain of FIV have been discovered, with many populations now infected by more than one strain. Studies of Serengeti lions have shown that 43% of the individuals are infected with more than one strain, and it is possible that these could combine into more virulent strains in the future. The strain of the virus most recently discovered is affecting lions in Botswana, and appears to have more significant negative effects on the species in this region. Much more study is needed to better understand the course of this disease in lion populations. In the meantime great care must be taken when relocating lions. Some lion populations test negative for the virus, so it is possible that if these lions have never come into contact with the virus they have not built up the immunity to it that other populations might have. It would therefore be irresponsible to introduce FIV positive lions into these populations. Regular testing of the lions in the ALERT programme enables informed decisions to be made, and will contribute to the wider understanding of the condition

Lion Country - Exclusive: A visit from the doctor
http://www.itvwild.com/tvshows/lion-country/avisitfromthedoctor

WS

It's brilliant that they are taking such great care WS, but then having watched the team, you wouldn't expect anything else from them, they are so dedicated. I knew FIV was in Lion populations but I have not heard about it in other big cat species, i'm sure there must be some, maybe we have just not heard about it, or I wonder if it hits the Lions more as they live in prides.
Will come back and look at the clip later when Tiga isn't joining me at the pc......having trouble seeing and typing

littlewid-x-