Corona Pills To Pets: Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) virus spread in China has created a stir in the world. This virus has refreshed people’s old memories, when Corona virus spread from this country to the whole world. Amidst all this, it has come to light in Chinese media reports that animals are being fed corona medicine.
According to local Chinese media outlet Jimian, cat owners in China are feeding their cats human COVID-19 drugs like Merck’s Lageverio to treat feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FIP is a fatal disease found in cats, for which no cure was available.
Chinese are sharing experiences on social media
This trend has started discussions on a large scale on Chinese social media platforms. In China, many users are sharing their experiences on Jiaohongshu, a social media platform similar to Instagram. One user wrote, “Covid-19 drugs for humans saved my cat’s life.” Another wrote, “I am sharing my notes here so that more and more people can save their beloved children and reduce the suffering of cats.”
What is FIP disease?
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is caused by feline coronavirus. It infects the white blood cells which then spreads throughout the cat’s body and, if left untreated, causes fatal inflammation. However, it is not contagious to humans, dogs or other animals. There was no treatment previously available for FIP, but human medicine for coronavirus has reportedly proven effective in this disease.
Given the high prices of pet medications, cat owners are opting for more affordable human COVID-19 antivirals.
Also read: ‘Give timely information about the danger of HMPV virus’, India makes demand to WHO on flu spread in China
