Cyprus Cats Dying from Feline Coronavirus Outbreak

Cyprus is an island located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its large stray cat population. These cats are commonly known as Cyprus cats. The island is even sometimes called the “island of cats.” According to stories, the Cyprus cats were originally brought to the island by a Roman Empress to rid the island of snakes. Now, they are estimated to outnumber the human population. 

Source: FRANCE 24 English/YouTube

However, the iconic felines are rapidly dying due to an outbreak of feline coronavirus. The virus is not transmissible to humans, but so far the outbreak has killed roughly 300,000 cats. Known as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), the worry is that the infection will spread, killing even more of the Cyprus cats.

Additionally, experts worry that it will spread beyond Cyprus. They are trying to come up with a plan to treat the Cyprus cats and contain the disease. Medications are available that could help cure sick cats and curb the spread. However, the cost of the medications available to treat FIP is proving prohibitive. 

For now, no cat is allowed to leave the island without being tested for FIP. Only cats that test negative can leave. Compounding the difficulty of treating the cats is the fact that many of the infected felines are strays. This leaves them particularly vulnerable to the disease. Officials hope that a vaccine can be developed to prevent even more of the Cyprus cats from succumbing to the disease.  

Although many residents of Cyprus love the Cyprus cats, this does not protect them from facing the same cruelty that many stray animals around the world are subjected to. Sign this petition asking the Cyprus Government to Provide More Resources to Protect Stray Cats and Dogs!

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