The global outbreak of ‘cats coronavirus’, which claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of feline companions, has sparked deep concerns among animal advocates in Morocco.
This deadly virus first emerged on the cat-populated island of Cyprus, making international headlines with reports of a staggering 300,000 cat fatalities. Fears are mounting over the virus’s potential to spread worldwide.
In response to this alarming situation, various voices at the national level are calling upon the Moroccan government, particularly the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture, to take action in safeguarding the country’s cat population.
The urgency of these demands is further accentuated by the lack of a proven treatment protocol for the virus.
The cost and limited availability of temporary medications exacerbate the crisis, as there remains no global consensus among medical and veterinary organizations on the appropriate course of action.
Yassine Iraman, President of the Association for the Protection of Animal Lives told Hespress AR that Morocco has not been immune to the feline coronavirus, but a lack of awareness about the virus has left many, particularly cat breeders, ill-equipped to handle the situation.
Iraman highlighted the virus’s devastating effects, as infected cats often succumb to it within ten days.
With no officially sanctioned treatment protocol available, animal protection associations and civil society have stepped in, utilizing an unlicensed therapeutic approach that has shown promising results, albeit without official recognition from veterinarians.
Calling on the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Iraman urged the approval of medicines that have demonstrated efficacy in treating feline coronavirus cases, even if not yet globally authorized.
He stressed the need for awareness campaigns, similar to those conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic, to educate the public about the virus and its potential impact on cats.
Activists estimate that Morocco is home to around 9 million cats, but tragically, nearly 2 million have perished over the last decade.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.