New research into deadly cat virus

New research published by Emerging Infectious Diseases journal suggests that a virus that normally affects cats only mildly could turn into a serious infection.

The research shows that a mutation in one of the viral proteins is causing the virus to turn from mild to aggressive. Usually a common infection that affects up to 50 per cent of household pets, the virus is short-lived but it has been found that some as much as 10 per cent of infected cats will go on to develop a condition called Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). This can take on two forms, the wet form causes the cat’s chest to fill with fluid whereas with the dry form of FIP, lesions will occur, causing problems for several organs.

Scientists hope that this new research will bring on promising developments in testing to diagnose FIP.