Cyprus Government Allows Human Coronavirus Medication to be Used on Cats to Fight Feline Virus Mutation
NICOSIA, Cyprus – In a significant decision, the Cyprus government has given approval for the use of its stock of human coronavirus medication on cats. The move comes in response to a local mutation of a feline virus that has resulted in the deaths of thousands of animals on the Mediterranean island. It is important to note that this mutation cannot be transmitted to humans.
The Cyprus veterinarians association, which had been advocating for access to the medication at reasonable prices since the beginning of the year, expressed its support for the government’s decision. The association aims to investigate and control the rise in cases of FCov-2023, the mutation responsible for the lethal Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) among cats in Cyprus.
Hristodoulos Pipis, the head of Cyprus Veterinary Services, announced that cat owners can now receive the medication, known as Lagevrio, in pill form at a cost of 2.5 euros ($2.74) per pill. However, this will only be possible after a formal examination and diagnosis by a veterinarian.
Although the medication contains the active ingredient Molnupiravir, it is important to note that humans cannot contract the mutated feline virus. Nektaria Ioannou Arsenoglou, the president of the Veterinarians Association, clarified that the mutation is unrelated to COVID-19.
To ensure a steady supply of the medication, the Ministry of Health has decided to incrementally make 2,000 packages of the drug available to veterinarians over the next month. Costas Himonas, a senior pharmacist at the Health Ministry, reassured the public that the availability of the medication for cats would not compromise any potential treatment for a surge in COVID-19 cases among humans.
Arsenoglou dismissed claims by local animal activists, stating that the mutation had not caused the deaths of as many as 300,000 cats, as exaggerated reports had suggested. Arsenoglou referred to a survey conducted by the veterinarians association, which indicated approximately 8,000 deaths across the island. These findings were corroborated by Pipis.
FIP is a highly lethal disease in cats if left untreated. However, with the use of medication, approximately 85% of cases of both the “wet” and “dry” forms of the illness can be successfully treated. The main challenge has been the high cost of the medication, making it inaccessible to many cat caregivers.
The feline coronavirus, which is spread through contact with cat feces, has been present since 1963. Previous epidemics eventually subsided without the need for medication. Nevertheless, the government has implemented measures to prevent the export of the mutation, including mandatory medical check-ups for all felines being adopted abroad.
The number of feral cats in Cyprus remains unclear, but they hold a significant place in the country’s history, having been beloved companions for thousands of years.