When was coronavirus discovered in cats? - briefly
Coronavirus in cats, specifically feline coronavirus (FCoV), was first identified in the 1960s as a cause of mild enteric infections in domestic cats.
When was coronavirus discovered in cats? - in detail
Coronavirus in cats, specifically feline coronavirus (FCoV), was first identified in the mid-20th century. The discovery of this virus in cats dates back to the 1960s when researchers began studying its presence and effects on feline health. FCoV is a common pathogen in cats, and it exists in two primary forms: feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). FECV typically causes mild gastrointestinal symptoms, while FIPV is a more severe and often fatal mutation of the virus that leads to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). The initial identification of FCoV was part of broader research into coronaviruses, which were first discovered in the 1930s in animals. The study of FCoV has since expanded, revealing its complex nature and the challenges it poses to feline health. Researchers have worked to understand its transmission, mutation, and potential treatments, particularly for the devastating FIP form. The discovery of FCoV in cats has been instrumental in advancing veterinary medicine and improving the care and management of feline health.