As China grapples with the spread of the HMPV virus, another health crisis is unfolding among the country’s feline population. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), a deadly disease caused by certain strains of the feline coronavirus, is claiming the lives of many cats.
FIP, which infects white blood cells and spreads throughout a cat’s body, causing fatal inflammatory reactions, currently has no readily available treatment. Desperate to save their beloved pets, many Chinese cat owners are turning to human COVID-19 drugs like Merck’s Lagevrio.
However, the use of human medicines for pets is not without controversy. There is strong opposition to this practice, with concerns about the safety and efficacy of such treatments for animals. Veterinary experts warn that human medications can have adverse effects on pets and should only be used under strict veterinary supervision.
Despite the risks, many pet owners feel they have no choice but to resort to these measures due to the high cost and inaccessibility of pet-specific antiviral drugs. The debate continues as the Chinese government and veterinary community search for safer and more affordable solutions to combat this deadly disease.
