Since the beginning of the year, thousands of cats have died in Cyprus from a mutation of the coronavirus, which infects animals. The first case has already been reported in the UKwhile there are concerns that the new coronavirus mutation that affects cats could spread to other countries.

THE Cyprus is also known as the “island of cats”as countless stray animals live there. And as with quite a few stray dogs from southern Europe, many decide to adopt a stray kitten from Cyprus, which they often take with them to other European countries.

Dangerous mutation for felines

Cat coronaviruses have been known for a long time. Many cats are carriers of the so-called feline coronavirus (FCoV-23), most of which do not get sick or show only mild symptoms – if at all.

Only in case of mutation of the virus the infection may develop into peritonitis and then more serious symptoms appear, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, weight loss, fever and breathing problems or even inflammation of the eyes. In severe cases, this mutation can even lead to damage to the nervous system, while if left untreated, the virus can be fatal.

Medicines for humans and cats

According to a British study, the new variant is highly infectious, meaning it spreads quickly, infecting cats of all ages. Transmission is most likely direct from cat to cat, with an increased risk of developing feline infectious peritonitis. It is a new mutation of the coronavirus, F-CoV-23: a recombination of the feline coronavirus (FCov) and the canine coronavirus (CCov).

In Cyprus, the use of the drug molnupiravir for the human coronavirus was also approved for the treatment of felines suffering from the virus. Moreover, according to studies, the antiviral substance GS-441524 has also been shown to be very effective in treating the infection.

These drugs can make treatment possible at least for domestic cats. However, the possibility that the thousands of cats living as strays in the wild will receive similar treatment is rather unlikely.

Edited by: Chrysa Vachtsevanu