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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 3rd February 2023
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Researchers seek cats with FIP for new study
Until recently, FIP was an invariably fatal disease, but new research offers hope.
The study aims to improve diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

A research team at the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is looking to recruit approximately 100 cats for a new study into feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). 

Cats with either wet or dry FIP can be enrolled in the study as long as they have had their diagnosis confirmed using the ABCD Algorithm and their owners have given written informed consent. Each cat will stay under the care of their GP veterinarian, with support from the study clinicians.

FIP is a viral disease in young cats, and occasionally older ones, caused by a coronavirus. Until recently, it was nearly always fatal, but research into COVID-19 has suggested that GS-441524 and its prodrug remdesivir can successfully be used to treat it. 

However, diagnosing the disease is still difficult. With an effective treatment now available, it is important to create a definitive test to diagnose and monitor the disease.

The researchers plan to evaluate two diagnostic possibilities: acute-phase proteins (APPs) and micro-RNA (mrRNA) in blood and effusions. It is hoped that at least one of these can be used to develop a reliable test for diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis of FIP.

Case histories and owner questionnaires will help the team to assess whether specific APPs and/or miRNA profiles can be used to predict how well a cat will respond to treatment. 

Prof Danièlle Gunn-Moore, part of the research team, said: “I undertook a PhD study into FIP in 1994 because I had seen so many beautiful kittens die from this hideous disease. I never imagined that I would now be able to treat so many of these precious babies so successfully. It really is the most important thing to happen in feline medicine in my lifetime. I am proud to be part of a group of people who are trying to work out the best way to use these drugs.”

More information about the study, including the participant information sheet and consent form, can be found here.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.