Feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic cats and some wild felids. It is caused by a strain of the feline coronavirus (FCoV) known as the feline infectious peritonitis virus. FIPV primarily targets the cells of the immune system, leading to a severe and often fatal disease known as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).
FIPV is transmitted through close contact with infected cats or by exposure to their bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, or feces. The virus can survive outside the host for extended periods and can be transmitted through contaminated objects. Once inside a new host, the virus primarily infects macrophages, a type of white blood cell, leading to systemic infection.
Symptoms of FIP in cats can vary depending on the form of the disease, with the wet form causing fluid accumulation in body cavities and the dry form affecting multiple organs. Common signs include fever, weight loss, lethargy, loss of appetite, and respiratory or gastrointestinal problems. Diagnosis of FIP is challenging since it requires multiple clinical signs, laboratory tests, and often a post-mortem examination.
Currently, there is no specific treatment or cure for FIPV. Management involves supportive care, including treatment of secondary infections and addressing symptoms. Vaccines are available to prevent FIP, but their effectiveness is debated, and they cannot completely eliminate the risk.
Preventing the spread of FIPV involves maintaining good hygiene, separating infected cats from healthy ones, and promptly isolating and treating affected cats. Regular veterinary check-ups and early detection of FCoV infection can also help to prevent the development of FIP.
