Cyprus is home to a large population of cats, estimated at over one million. The island has a long history of cat domestication, dating back to the Neolithic era.
Cats are also considered to have a sacred role in Cyprus, as they were introduced by a Roman empress to control the snake population.
However, in recent months, thousands of cats in Cyprus have been dying from a variant of coronavirus that affects felines.
The disease, known as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), is not transmissible to humans, but it is highly contagious and fatal among cats.
FIP causes inflammation of the organs, fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest, and neurological symptoms.
There is no effective vaccine or cure for FIP, and most cats that contract it die within weeks or months.
The only treatment available is an antiviral drug called GS-441524, which was originally developed for human coronavirus infections but was never approved for human use.
However, some studies have shown that GS-441524 can improve the survival and quality of life of cats with FIP.
A humanitarian gesture
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The Cypriot government has decided to make unused stocks of GS-441524 available to treat cats with FIP, following a recommendation from the agriculture ministry, as per Phys.org.
The decision was announced on August 3, and was welcomed by animal welfare groups and veterinarians.
The government said that the medication, in the form of pills, will be supplied through the veterinary services, and that the dosage and duration of treatment will be determined by the vets.
The government also said that the medication is safe and biodegradable and that it will not pose any risk to humans or the environment.
The move was described as a humanitarian gesture by the agriculture minister Costas Kadis, who said that the government wanted to help the cats that are suffering from FIP.
He also said that the government was aware of the cultural and historical significance of cats in Cyprus and that it wanted to preserve their population and welfare.
The initiative to provide GS-441524 to cats with FIP is expected to save many lives and reduce the spread of the disease, as per Gulf News.
According to animal activists, FIP has killed up to 300,000 cats in Cyprus since 2020, while veterinarians estimate that the number is closer to 10,000.
Either way, the disease has had a devastating impact on the cat population and their caretakers.
GS-441524 is not a cure for FIP, but it can prolong the life span and improve the symptoms of cats with FIP. Some cats may even achieve remission after receiving GS-441524 treatment.
However, the drug is expensive and scarce, and not all cats respond well to it. Therefore, there is still a need for more research and development of new drugs and vaccines for FIP.
The Cypriot government's decision to provide GS-441524 to cats with FIP is a rare and commendable example of compassion and cooperation between humans and animals.
It shows that Cyprus cares about its feline friend and that it is willing to share its resources and knowledge to help them and also gives hope for a future where FIP can be prevented or cured, and where cats can live healthy and happy lives.
