The island of Cyprus has witnessed a distressing surge in cases of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), caused by feline coronavirus, leading to thousands of cat fatalities.
In response to this alarming situation, the health ministry of Cyprus has initiated the distribution of a human anti-Covid medication, aiming to combat this fatal disease.
This move comes as veterinarians work to address the widespread outbreak of FIP, which has affected both indoor and outdoor cats.
Notably, FIP is distinct from the virus responsible for Covid-19 in humans.
Treatment Rollout and Disease Characteristics
The health ministry of Cyprus embarked on the delivery of the new treatment on Tuesday, marking a significant step in the battle against the feline coronavirus-driven FIP.
This outbreak, termed “FCoV-23 outbreak,” has been observed since January, and it has taken a heavy toll on the feline population, leading to the deaths of numerous cats on the island.
It is essential to address this disease promptly, as FIP can prove fatal if not treated effectively.
It’s noteworthy that this disease is specific to cats and does not pose a risk to human health.
Initial Medication Stock and Distribution Plan
The government’s veterinary services director, Christodoulos Pipis, confirmed the arrival of the first shipment of medication, totaling 500 boxes.
This initial batch is part of a larger plan to distribute 2,000 packages over the next month, equating to approximately 80,000 pills.
The intention behind this initiative is to curtail the FIP outbreak and provide relief to the affected feline population.
Importantly, this distribution does not pose a threat to the availability of pharmaceutical resources for potential human Covid-19 surges.
Reactions and Criticisms
Zelia Gregoriou, a professor at the University of Cyprus who recently lost her own cat to FIP, expressed strong criticism of the government’s prior inaction in addressing the crisis.
She depicted Cyprus as a “slaughterhouse for animals,” condemning the lack of response that led to cat fatalities.
On the other hand, Cyprus’ veterinarians association commended the decision to use human coronavirus medication on cats, praising the government’s move to make the medication accessible at reasonable prices.
Treatment Details and Impact
The medication, known as Lagevrio, contains the active ingredient Molnupiravir.
Cat owners are now able to acquire the medication in pill form, with each pill costing 2.5 euros, following a formal diagnosis and examination by a veterinarian.
While the mutation causing lethal FIP had led to concerns about the affordability of treatment, this new availability is expected to positively impact the outcome for affected cats.
The disease can be successfully treated in approximately 85 percent of cases using medication, effectively mitigating both “wet” and “dry” forms of FIP.
Controlling the Outbreak and the Role of Feral Cats
The FIP outbreak’s origins have been traced to feline coronavirus, which has been present since 1963.
While previous epidemics subsided without medication, the current outbreak’s scale has necessitated a proactive response.
Measures are now in place to prevent the export of the mutation, involving mandatory medical evaluations for all cats intended for adoption abroad.
Despite the prevalence of feral cats in Cyprus, they hold a significant place in the island’s history and culture, spanning thousands of years.