Veterinary scientists at the University of Illinois have identified the parasite responsible for feline infectious anemia (FIA) and have developed a diagnostic tool that will help veterinarians understand the scope of the disease.

Cats suffering with FIA become very anemic as red blood cells plummet. Long-term infections may be related to rheumatic diseases, such as arthritis.

A series of studies at the University's College of Veterinary Medicine proved that FIA is caused by a bacterial organism called a mycoplasm, a tiny, but tough, bacterium that is evasive.

For years, cats suspected of having FIA have been treated with antibiotics. Even if symptoms disappear, the organism may remain present. Without a diagnostic tool, the prevalence of the disease has been impossible to determine. The new test will make it possible to find the carrier and identify risk factors associated with the disease.

Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine is offering a new consultation service for pet owners coping with behavioral problems in their pets.

Pet owners submit a detailed written explanation of their pet's problem to Tufts' animal behaviorists, who will provide a written report with a diagnosis and treatment plan for correcting the problem. The service also includes three follow-up phone calls or e-mails as part of the consultation.

For information, see www.tufts.edu/vet/petfax.