Researchers at Jagiellonian University have developed a new treatment for cat flu, a common and often deadly disease in shelters and breeding facilities. Field tests show promising results with no adverse effects.
New Hope for Cats Suffering from Cat Flu
Researchers from Jagiellonian University have announced a groundbreaking development in the treatment of feline viral upper respiratory infections, commonly known as cat flu. The disease, caused by FHV-1 and FCV viruses, is prevalent in shelters and breeding facilities and can lead to severe symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, fever, and discharge from the eyes and nose. Despite the widespread nature of the disease, current treatments are primarily symptomatic and focus on preventing secondary bacterial infections.
Promising Results from Field Studies
The new treatment, developed by UJ scientists in collaboration with the veterinary clinic in Krakow, uses a sulfonated polystyrene derivative that has proven effective against both FHV-1 and FCV viruses. Field tests conducted on 26 cats suffering from acute and chronic cat flu showed significant improvement in viral load and symptoms, with no adverse effects reported. This innovative technology, now being further developed by Vet Planet, is expected to be available on the market soon, offering a much-needed solution to a common and deadly feline disease.