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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th November 2023
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New strain of feline coronavirus reaches UK
The BVA is calling for import testing measures to be introduced.
BVA has called the development “highly concerning”.

The first case in the UK of a new strain of feline coronavirus (FCoV-23) that has led to the deaths of at least 8,000 cats from feline infectious peritonitis in Cyprus has been confirmed.

The cat, which had been imported from Cyprus, is under quarantine and receiving treatment. There is no evidence that the virus has spread to any other cats in the UK.

FCoV-23 started spreading in January this year through the large stray cat population in Cyprus, which is estimated to be as large as 1.5 million. Reports in the summer suggested that as many as 300,000 cats had died on the island, although the actual figure is now believed to be around 8,000.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh are working on sequencing the new strain. It is thought that it is spreading between cats through faecal-oral transmission, although this is yet to be confirmed.

BVA president Anna Judson said: “The arrival of FCoV-23 in the UK is highly concerning, but so far this looks to be an isolated case in an imported cat, and action has been taken to minimise any spread of the virus.

“There is no known risk to people but pet owners should remain vigilant, because the virus can cause feline infectious peritonitis, which if left untreated can be fatal to cats. If owners have any concerns about their pet, they should speak to their vet immediately.

“The discovery of FCoV-23, combined with the increasing cases of Brucella canis from dogs arriving on our shores, shows the UK is seriously vulnerable to imported diseases. The Government needs to grasp the nettle on this crucial issue by introducing the long overdue import testing measures BVA has been calling for.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."