A lethal outbreak of feline coronavirus that has killed tons of of hundreds of cats in Cyprus may very well be “catastrophic” if it had been to succeed in the UK, an knowledgeable has advised Sky News.
Around 300,000 cats – each home and stray – have died of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) on the island since January, based on Dinos Ayiomamitis, head of Cats PAWS Cyprus.
Britain has a protracted historical past with Cyprus, with ex-pats travelling to and from the island and many individuals rehoming cats to the UK.
But what’s FIP, why have so many cats died – and is there a threat of an outbreak within the UK?
What is the illness that’s killing cats?
FIP is a illness attributable to feline coronavirus (FCoV).
FCoV is a typical and contagious virus in cats that’s unfold by their faeces. Most cats is not going to present signs, and in the event that they do it’s restricted to gentle diarrhoea.
But in some circumstances, the virus mutates into FIP, which is nearly all the time deadly.
Dr Jo Lewis, a feline veterinary surgeon, advised Sky News “infection rates tend to be highest in cats living in close quarters and sharing toileting facilities”, like catteries and rescue centres, for instance.
“It’s also important to note that the virus can be transmitted mechanically on grooming brushes, cat litter scoops and even on human feet and hands,” says the writer of What’s My Cat Thinking?.
“That theory may explain why many indoor-only cats in Cyprus are being affected.”
Dr Nathalie Dowgray, head of the International Society of Feline Medicine, stated the outbreak was “very concerning” for cats, cat homeowners and vets in Cyprus.
“For many, including stray cats, treatment will likely not be possible and sadly this will likely result in significant mortality.”
Whether a cat will get FIP or not depends upon the “types of mutations, the load of virus and individual cat immune system”, Dr Dowgray stated.
What are the signs of FIP?
FIP is tough to diagnose however most cats with the virus could have a fever, seem torpid and go off their meals.
There are two kinds of the virus – moist FIP and dry FIP.
In cats with the previous, fluid builds up within the stomach or chest, inflicting swelling.
“We tend to see cats presenting with a large fluid-filled belly and breathing difficulties, who are increasingly lethargic and picky with their food,” Dr Lewis stated.
Cats with dry FIP have much less fluid build-up however could have a poor urge for food, excessive temperature and imaginative and prescient issues.
FIP is extra prone to develop in younger cats between three months and two years outdated.
Why has there been a FIP outbreak in Cyprus?
Cyprus is named the “island of cats”.
Strays roam in every single place and the earliest proof of cats being domesticated was discovered there, in a 9,500-year-old burial web site.
Feline coronavirus spreads through cat faeces. Where there are many cats in the identical place, the probabilities of cats catching it are greater, and consultants have additionally discovered the virus is extra prone to mutate into FIP.
Cats’ stress ranges are additionally excessive after they stay in crowded shelters, which may make them extra vulnerable to creating FIP.
How vital is that this outbreak?
Generally, FIP is simply reported in about 1% of the cat inhabitants, however in outbreaks such because the one in Cyprus, as much as 40-50% of cats may develop FIP.
Dr Lewis stated: “What’s concerning about the evidence from the Cyprus outbreak, is that a particularly nasty FCoV mutation seems to have already occurred.”
‘The threat to UK cats is important’
An outbreak of this dimension is claimed to haven’t been seen anyplace earlier than, so if it reaches the UK it may very well be fairly critical and can weigh closely on the minds of cat homeowners and vets.
Dr Lewis advised Sky News: “There’s a genuine risk that if this gets into the UK it could have catastrophic consequences on our favourite pets.
“Anyone who has witnessed FIP heartache first-hand will perceive the potential affect.”
The biggest risk to cats in Britain is importing the animals.
“We have a protracted historical past with Cyprus and loads of British expats stay and journey backwards and forwards so the chance to UK cats is important,” Dr Lewis added.
“We must restrict that threat by screening any cats leaving Cyprus and any close by affected international locations.”
She stated cats leaving the island ought to be examined and blood examined for FCoV antibody ranges, and any cat with signs should not journey.
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Can FIP unfold to people?
No, people can not catch feline coronavirus and subsequently can not develop FIP.
How is it handled and the way pricey is it?
Dr Lewis stated till just lately there have been only a few remedy choices accessible for FIP, which meant most cats who developed it had been put down, and there is additionally no vaccine within the UK.
“However, now there are now some, albeit very expensive, options that are available here in the UK – like remdesivir injections that are also used for humans with COVID-19, and a similar drug called GS-441524, an oral tablet.
“Unfortunately, the million cats residing in Cyprus don’t but have entry to those medicine.”
GS-441524 may very well be imported to Cyprus from the UK, however it’s costly – €3,000-€7,000 (£2,500-£6,000) per cat.
Anti-viral capsule molnupiravir has additionally been thought-about as a remedy possibility, nevertheless it has not been licensed for feline use in Cyprus.
Source: information.sky.com”