 A type of feline coronavirus is estimated to have killed 300,000 cats in Cyprus alone. As feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) spreads rapidly through the population of the Mediterranean island, cat owners are taking extreme action to look after their beloved pets. So far just 107 cases of FIP have been officially recorded by the agriculture ministry on the island, but it is believed the true number is much higher. Experts suspect there are further outbreaks in nearby Lebanon, Israel and Turkiye, but this is not yet confirmed. But should cat owners in the UK be concerned about the spread of FIP? Metro.co.uk spoke to Francis Martin, chief executive of The Insurance Emporium which specialises in pet insurance to find out. What is FIP? Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a common virus that is found in cat populations across the globe, and it's believed to date back to the early 1960s. While some infected cats are asymptomatic, others may suffer from mild diarrhoea. Feline coronavirus and FIP cannot be transmitted to dogs, humans, or other species. So far just 107 cases of FIP have been officially recorded by the agriculture ministry on the island, but it is believed the true number is much higher (Picture: AFP via Getty Images) The feline coronavirus replicates in the intestines and is shed in faeces, where it can survive for several days. Infection occurs after ingestion of the virus, typically by cats licking their fur which is then contaminated by faeces. FIP is a rare, and fatal, mutation of feline coronavirus. Once a cat is infected with feline coronavirus there's the potential it may develop into FIP. Some factors can increase the chances of this happening including age (kittens over three months and cats under two years of age are more at risk), breed, the cat's immune status, stress levels, and high infection rates i){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
A type of feline coronavirus is estimated to have killed 300,000 cats in Cyprus alone.
As feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) spreads rapidly through the population of the Mediterranean island, cat owners are taking extreme action to look after their beloved pets.
So far just 107 cases of FIP have been officially recorded by the agriculture ministry on the island, but it is believed the true number is much higher.
Experts suspect there are further outbreaks in nearby Lebanon, Israel and Turkiye, but this is not yet confirmed.