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Outbreak of feline infectious peritonitis hits Cyprus
"Cats being imported from Cyprus to the UK should be tested for the virus before travel" - Dr Justine Shotton
FIP has killed up to 300,000 cats in Cyprus since January.

An outbreak of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) has killed an estimated 300,000 cats on the island of Cyprus since January this year. Both wild and domestic cats have been affected by the strain of coronavirus.

The outbreak, which started in the capital city of Nicosia is the largest the island has seen.

Officially, the number of FIP cases reported to the agriculture ministry in the southern part of the island currently totals 107. But, the actual figure is suspected to be far higher due to the large cat population in Cyprus.

Feline coronavirus doesn’t usually cause any serious issues but in about 10 per cent of cases, the virus will multiply and mutate into FIP. This can cause an extreme inflammatory reaction in the tissues surrounding the abdomen, kidney, or brain, and is almost always fatal.

Head of Cat Protection and Welfare Society (PAWS) Cyprus, Dinos Ayiomamitis, told Agence France Presse: “We have lost 300,000 cats since January from FIP.”

Mr Ayiomamitis later told the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation that the figure is a rough calculation based on an estimate of a 20-30 per cent mortality rate among the island’s cat population of approximately one million.

Responding to the news, Dr Justine Shotton, British Veterinary Association senior vice-president, said: “The reported cases of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in Cyprus are understandably concerning. However, FIP is a condition seen in cats in the UK and so while tests are ongoing to determine if this is a new strain of the virus, our current advice for cat owners is to contact their vet if they have any concerns about their pet’s health or welfare and discuss any preventative healthcare options. 

“Cats being imported from Cyprus to the UK should be tested for the virus before travel and not be moved if they test positive. As a precautionary measure, anyone travelling to Cyprus for a holiday should avoid touching cats there and make sure to clean the soles of their shoes and suitcase wheels before leaving to avoid inadvertently bringing the virus into the UK.”

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."