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Educational
information on FIP....
As
a responsible breeder I have found that the possibility of FIP
developing in any kitten placed is worthy of
discussion with prospective pet buyers, especially in view of
the seemingly unknown random way FIP continues to choose its
victims, breeders cannot predict.
FIP is a mutation
from a harmless common corona virus (FEVC) that is found in
about 90% of cats in catteries. The majority of cats
with FECV (about 95% or more) remain healthy. A "very" small
percentage for unknown reason will have a mutation of the
harmless form of the corona virus into the deadly form of FIP.
There are
thousands of FEVC strains and they are as common as the common
cold in humans and dirt.
FIP occurs when the
common form of FEVC mutates into FIP. Recent research has shown
that mutant FECVs arise within an individual
cat. Thus, we now
know that the vast majority of cats do not "catch" FIP, but they
develop it themselves from their own mutant FECV. Transmission
of FIP from cat to cat is considered to be rare. This fact has
caused leading FIP researchers to state that cats who are ill
with FIP are unlikely to be a risk to other cats and thus do not
need to be isolated. The reason for the mutation is unknown.
To date - There is no
laboratory test for FIP. No test that can guarantee that any cat is free of FIP
or will develop it in the future. If anyone is telling you
they have a FIP free cattery, it's not true or possible. No
breeder can guarantee a kitten to be "FIP FREE" it's not
possible!
FIP affects ALL
BREEDS OF CATS and can affect ANY BREEDER. Almost every breeder
who breeds long enough will have a brush with FIP at some point.
FIP is almost always
fatal to cats. This is why I think
it's important for kitten buyers to beware of the risk and
understand FIP before purchasing a kitten or cat.
Here's
some valuable links on FIP that are up to date with today's
technology from top researchers.
Winn
Feline Foundation on FIP
A word
on FIP by Dr. Cris Bird
Cornell University on FIP |