Deadly Cat Virus In Cyprus

'Potentially devastating for UK': deadly cat virus in CyprusA devastating feline coronavirus outbreak that has caused up to 300,000 cat deaths in Cyprus is thought to have spread to neighbouring nations, according to researchers.

An specialist has told Sky News that a lethal feline coronavirus outbreak that has killed hundreds of thousands of cats in Cyprus might be "catastrophic" if it spreads to the UK.

Dinos Ayiomamitis, director of Cats PAWS Cyprus, estimates that feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) has claimed the lives of almost 300,000 cats on the island since January. These cats included both domestic and stray animals.

Expats from Cyprus have a long history of travelling to and from the island, and many people rehome cats in the UK.

But what exactly is FIP, why have so many cats perished, and is there a chance that the UK will see an outbreak?

What illness is causing cats to die?

The feline coronavirus (FCoV) is the disease-causing agent in FIP.

Cats are susceptible to the common and contagious FCoV virus, which is conveyed by their excrement. Most cats won't exhibit symptoms, and those that do tend to be mild diarrhoea.

However, the virus can occasionally transform into the nearly invariably lethal FIP.

According to Dr. Jo Lewis, a feline veterinarian, "infection rates tend to be highest in cats living in close quarters and sharing toileting facilities", such as catteries and rescue centres, for example.

The author of What's My Cat Thinking? emphasises how the virus can be mechanically spread on grooming brushes, cat litter scoops, even human feet and hands.

That hypothesis could help to explain why so many indoor-only cats in Cyprus are suffering.

The outbreak in Cyprus is "very concerning" for cats, cat owners, and veterinarians, according to Dr. Nathalie Dowgray, president of the International Society of Feline Medicine.

"Treatment will probably not be possible for many, including stray cats, and sadly this will probably lead to significant mortality,"

According to Dr. Dowgray, the "types of mutations, the load of virus, and individual cat immune system" determine whether a cat develops FIP or not.

What FIP symptoms are present?

FIP is challenging to diagnose, but the majority of infected cats will show signs of a fever, seem lethargic, and stop eating.

Wet FIP and dry FIP are the two viral subtypes.

In cats with the former condition, fluid collects in the chest or abdomen and causes swelling.

Cats who present with breathing issues, a huge fluid-filled tummy, and signs of increased sluggishness and pickiness with their diet are common, according to Dr. Lewis.

Cats with dry FIP may have a poor appetite, a high body temperature, and eyesight issues but have less fluid buildup overall.

Young cats between the ages of three months and two years are more prone to developing FIP.

Why has FIP been spreading in Cyprus?

The "island of cats" is Cyprus.

The earliest proof of domesticating cats was discovered there, in a 9,500-year-old burial site, where stray animals wander freely.

Cat faeces are a source of the feline coronavirus. The likelihood of cats contracting it is higher where there are many cats congregated, and experts have discovered the virus is more prone to evolve into FIP.

In crowded shelters, cats experience high levels of stress that may increase their risk of contracting FIP.

What kind of a crisis is this outbreak?

FIP is typically only found in approximately 1% of cats, but in outbreaks like the one in Cyprus, that number could rise to 40–50%.

What's alarming about the findings from the Cyprus outbreak, according to Dr. Lewis, is that a particularly terrible FCoV mutation appears to have already happened.

"There is a significant risk to UK cats."

It is believed that an outbreak of this size has never been seen before, therefore if it spreads to the UK, it could be highly serious and put cat owners and veterinarians on high alert.

According to Dr. Lewis, there is a real danger that this might have disastrous effects on our beloved pets if it enters the UK.

"Anyone who has personally experienced the heartbreak of FIP will understand the potential impact."

Importing the animals presents the biggest risk to cats in Britain.

Dr. Lewis continued, "The risk to UK cats is substantial because of our long connection with Cyprus and the large number of British expats who live there and commute back and forth.

By screening any cats leaving Cyprus and any adjacent impacted nations, we need to reduce that danger.

According to her, any cat with symptoms shouldn't travel, and cats leaving the island should be inspected and blood tested for FCoV antibody levels.

Deadly Cat Virus In Cyprus