A lethal outbreak of feline coronavirus that has killed lots of of 1000's of cats in Cyprus may very well be "catastrophic" if it had been to achieve the UK, an knowledgeable has instructed 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 danger of an outbreak within the UK?

What is the illness that's killing cats?

FIP is a illness brought on by feline coronavirus (FCoV).

FCoV is a standard and contagious virus in cats that's unfold by their faeces. Most cats won't present signs, and in the event that they do it's restricted to delicate diarrhoea.

But in some instances, the virus mutates into FIP, which is sort of at all times deadly.

Dr Jo Lewis, a feline veterinary surgeon, instructed 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, mentioned 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 mentioned.

What are the signs of FIP?

FIP is difficult to diagnose however most cats with the virus may have a fever, seem torpid and go off their meals.

There are two forms 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 mentioned.

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 more likely to develop in younger cats between three months and two years previous.

Why has there been a FIP outbreak in Cyprus?

Cyprus is named the "island of cats".

Strays roam all over the place and the earliest proof of cats being domesticated was discovered there, in a 9,500-year-old burial website.

Feline coronavirus spreads by way of cat faeces. Where there are many cats in the identical place, the probabilities of cats catching it are increased, and specialists have additionally discovered the virus is extra more likely to mutate into FIP.

Cats' stress ranges are additionally excessive after they dwell in crowded shelters, which may make them extra vulnerable to creating FIP.

How important is that this outbreak?

Generally, FIP is just 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 mentioned: "What's concerning about the evidence from the Cyprus outbreak, is that a particularly nasty FCoV mutation seems to have already occurred."

'The danger to UK cats is important'

An outbreak of this dimension is alleged to haven't been seen wherever 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 instructed 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 influence."

The biggest risk to cats in Britain is importing the animals.

"We have a protracted historical past with Cyprus and loads of British expats dwell and journey backwards and forwards so the danger to UK cats is important," Dr Lewis added.

"We have to restrict that danger by screening any cats leaving Cyprus and any close by affected international locations."

She mentioned cats leaving the island needs 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't catch feline coronavirus and due to this fact can't develop FIP.

How is it handled and the way expensive is it?

Dr Lewis mentioned till not too long ago there have been only a few remedy choices obtainable 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 dwelling in Cyprus don't but have entry to those medication."

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.