A deadly strain of coronavirus responsible for the deaths of over 8,000 cats in Cyprus has now surfaced in the United Kingdom, raising concerns among pet owners and health authorities.
The alarming discovery was made when a cat brought to the UK from the Mediterranean island tested positive for the highly infectious strain.
Identified as a hybrid of existing feline coronavirus and canine coronavirus, named F-CoV-23, the virus has been found to have the same genetic fingerprint as the one causing the feline epidemic in Cyprus.
Notably, the new feline coronavirus is distinct from Covid-19, causing a separate set of concerns among veterinarians and researchers.
The infected cat, displaying symptoms upon arrival in the UK, has been promptly isolated and is undergoing treatment.
Human Covid treatments are being deployed in an effort to contain the outbreak.
A collaborative effort involving scientists from the University of Edinburgh, the Royal Veterinary College, and the Cypriot government has revealed the potential severity of the situation.
Preliminary studies, though not yet peer-reviewed, indicate a significant risk of the outbreak spreading further.
Scientists warn, “This is exemplified by the recent confirmation of a first UK-imported case with further investigations into other cases ongoing.”
The unique combination of canine and feline coronaviruses, involving the transfer of the dog pathogen’s spike protein to the cat virus, has heightened the infectiousness of the new strain.
Prior to this evolution, the coronavirus in cats typically remained dormant, with most cases not progressing further.
Cats infected with the new coronavirus strain, known as F-CoV-23, may develop feline infectious peritonitis.
This condition manifests through lethargy, fever, a swollen abdomen, and inflammation, and is nearly always fatal unless treated promptly.
Pet owners and authorities are urged to remain vigilant, as efforts are underway to understand the scope of the outbreak and implement measures to prevent further spread of the highly contagious virus.
(With information from MSN)
