By TOM LAVENTURE

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IRONWOOD - Although not as prominent here, the concern for feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia in this area is real and increasing, according to H.O.P.E. Animal Shelter in Ironwood.

There are currently two cats at H.O.P.E. with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and the numbers of cats with feline leukemia average one to two cases annually for each disease, said Kathy Zumbrock, assistant manager of H.O.P.E. The shelter policy now requires all incoming cats to have a blood test to look for various diseases including FIV and felin...