'Cat Island' in Cyprus Sees Spread of Mutant Coronavirus... 300,000 Stray Cats Dead

Animal Protection Group "300,000 Cats Died Since January"
Hard to Assess Actual Situation, Treatment Costs Up to 10 Million Won

The Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus is experiencing the spread of a mutated coronavirus, resulting in hundreds of thousands of animals being infected or dying.

On the 11th (local time), AFP reported, citing local medical professionals and non-profit organizations, that feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) has been rampant over the past few months, spreading throughout the island. Cats infected with this disease exhibit symptoms such as fever, abdominal swelling, and weakness. Once infected, the mortality rate is very high, and without timely treatment, it can be fatal to cats.

[Image source=Pixabay]

The Cyprus Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry officially reported 107 cases of FIP infection, but animal protection groups estimate that the actual number of cases is much higher.

Dinos Ayomamitis, active in groups such as "Voice for Animals Cyprus," claimed, "Since January this year, 300,000 cats have died."

Experts estimate that the island, divided into two countries, Cyprus and Northern Cyprus, is home to more cats than the total human population of 1 million.

In particular, it has been observed that about one-third of cats in southern Cyprus are infected with the FIP virus, but since most of these cats are feral rather than pets, it is difficult to accurately assess the situation.

Cyprus residents who feed feral cats reported, "Some of the cats we used to see frequently are no longer visible, or are found dead."

FIP can be treated with antiviral drugs. However, due to the high cost?ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 euros (approximately 4.26 million to 9.95 million KRW) per cat?proper treatment is not being administered.

Vasilika Mani, who spent 3,600 euros (5.12 million KRW) earlier this year to treat two feral cats, said, "I have spent all the money I raised," adding, "If the disease continues to spread, this place might turn into an 'island of dead cats.'"

Meanwhile, Cyprus is also known as the "Island of Cats." Not only are there many cats, but cat skeletal remains were discovered buried alongside humans in a Neolithic village tomb dating back 9,500 years. This is considered the earliest evidence of humans domesticating cats.