Health experts have issued a warning about the potential consequences of a deadly coronavirus outbreak among cats in Cyprus, where around 300,000 cats have died from feline infectious

peritonitis (FIP) since January.

The concern is heightened due to the significant connection between Cyprus and UK expats who often rehome cats from the island. FIP is caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV), a common and contagious virus that is spread through cats' faeces. While most cats infected with FCoV show no symptoms or only mild diarrhoea, in some cases, the virus mutates into FIP, a nearly always fatal disease.

Experts emphasize the risk of importing infected cats to the UK and stress the need for screening and testing cats leaving Cyprus and nearby affected countries. FIP is challenging to diagnose, but common symptoms include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and fluid buildup in the abdomen or chest. Vigilance is advised, particularly for cats between three months and two years old, as they are more susceptible to FIP. Photo by Emőke Dénes, Wikimedia commons.