World

Cats in Cyprus are being given human COVID-19 medicine in an effort to slow the spread of a feline mutation of the virus that has left thousands of animals dead on the island.

Cats began getting the medicine on Tuesday, which coincidentally was International Cat Day.

Speaking to The Guardian, Christodoulos Pipis, the government’s veterinary services director, said: “We have taken stock of 500 boxes of medication.

“This is the first batch of 2,000 packages that will be made available. Each one contains 40 capsules, so we are talking about a total of 80,000 pills.”

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), which cannot be transmitted to humans, has been spreading among the island’s cats since January.

It is not related to COVID-19 but can be treated with a medication called Lagevrio, which is used to treat coronavirus in humans.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player


1:23

March: US city tries to tackle ‘little demon’ cats

Dinos Ayiomamitis, head of Cats PAWS Cyprus, previously told Sky News the outbreak would have “catastrophic” consequences if it reached the UK.

Mr Ayiomamitis and other animals activists have said the virus has killed around 300,000 cats on the island.

Read more:
Homes needed after ‘influx’ of cats at charity
Deadly cat virus could be ‘potentially catastrophic for UK’

Costas Himonas, senior pharmacist at the Cyprus health ministry, has said 2,000 packages of the drug will be made available to vets incrementally over the next month.

Mr Himonas said there is no risk that current pharmaceutical stocks will be depleted to the point that treatment of any COVID-19 surge in people would be compromised.

FIP has been around since 1963 and is spread through contact with cat faeces.

If left untreated, it can be fatal for the animals.

Articles You May Like

Solar ‘Battle Zone’ Could be Even Worse Than Solar Maximum, Experts Warn
Bitcoin tops $100,000 as monster 2024 rally reaches new heights
Tesla sued by deceased driver’s family over ‘fraudulent misrepresentation’ of Autopilot safety
Qatar energy minister: I don’t ‘worry much’ about Trump’s vow to lift LNG exports cap
Home Office pauses decisions on Syrian asylum claims following fall of Assad