The cause behind the ‘cat Covid’ epidemic of 2023 has been uncovered, revealing a surprising twist involving dog coronaviruses.
- The cause behind the ‘cat Covid’ epidemic of 2023 has been uncovered, revealing a surprising twist involving dog coronaviruses.
Dr Charalampos Attipa and a research team from the University of Edinburgh have identified a novel strain of coronavirus, labelled FCoV-23, that triggered a catastrophic outbreak among cats in Cyprus. The epidemic claimed the lives of an estimated 300,000 felines, as reported by various news outlets, including The Telegraph.
This transformation of a previously harmless feline coronavirus into a deadly form known as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) left veterinarians and animal welfare advocates in a state of helplessness. Kyriakos Kyriakides, from V3ts veterinary clinic in Larnaca, shared, “We were losing animals, one after the other.”
A Unique Hybrid Virus Emerges
The unexpected mutation resulted from a genetic exchange between a cat coronavirus and a dog coronavirus, specifically pCCoV, known for causing epidemics in dogs, particularly in eastern Mediterranean countries. Demetris Epaminondas, president of the Pancyprian Veterinary Association, explained that while cross-species mutations are not unheard of, such a virulent strain leading to a widespread epidemic is unprecedented.
The outbreak lasted throughout 2023, and veterinary clinics struggled to manage the influx of cases. With no clear treatment available initially, many desperate cat owners turned to dubious online remedies, often with little to no efficacy. “FIP is a horrible death, especially in its ‘wet form’,” Kyriakides noted, highlighting the suffering experienced by afflicted animals.
The Aftermath of the Epidemic
Despite the initial alarm, the actual death toll remains contested. While some reports suggested 300,000 fatalities, Epaminondas mentioned that his association recorded 8,500 cases of FIP within the first eight months of 2023, significantly lower than the alarming estimates. However, this figure does not account for the many strays that never saw a veterinarian.
Concerningly, volunteers feeding stray cats reported a 30 per cent decrease in cat populations, which, when applied to an estimated one million cats in Cyprus, aligns with the higher death toll claims. “The government doesn’t concern itself with strays,” Ayiomamitis, head of Cat P.A.W.S. Cyprus, remarked, alluding to the insufficient measures in place to manage the stray population effectively.
Lessons Learned and Ongoing Research
As the crisis subsided, questions remained about the efficacy of the governmental response. Although Covid-related treatments were eventually made available, many felt the authorities acted too slowly. Ayiomamitis contrasted the situation in Greece, where local authorities are mandated to manage stray animals, highlighting a gap in Cyprus’s approach to animal welfare.
The ongoing investigation into the origins of this hybrid virus remains a priority for scientists. Current research includes two PhD students in Cyprus and a global consortium, funded with $1 million, dedicated to studying this outbreak and FIP more broadly. The collaboration aims to uncover the circumstances that enabled such a rapid mutation, which has raised concerns about future cross-species transmissions.
The Future of Cat Covid
As the understanding of this outbreak develops, there is a cautious optimism among veterinary professionals. Vets have since acquired better treatment options, utilising drugs previously used for human Covid-19 patients, which have proven effective in managing FIP cases. While the immediate threat has stabilised, the viral landscape remains complex, with ongoing cases of FIP still reported.
With the spectre of another outbreak ever-present, the veterinary community is vigilant. Epaminondas reassured that the cross-species barrier between cat and human coronaviruses is significant, although the potential for mutations should not be underestimated. Research continues to monitor these developments, ensuring that the lessons learned from the ‘cat Covid’ epidemic inform future responses to similar threats.
