WINN Feline Foundation and FIP

Winn Feline Foundation and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Research

Winn Feline Foundation is a non-profit organization that tackles some of the most challenging issues that plague cats globally including kidney disease, FIV, feline diabetes and more . On November 16 and 17, 2019, they will be holding a symposium on Feline Infectious Peritonitis also referred to as FIP, which is a viral disease in cats caused by certain strains of a virus called the feline coronavirus.

What is FIP?

FIP is particularly distressing because it typically affects kittens, is deadly and currently there is no cure. According to Cornell University, most cats that develop FIP are under two years of age. However, cats of any age may develop the disease. And further, one of the most difficult aspects of FIP is that there is no simple diagnostic test.

Come November, some of the top minds in veterinary medicine and research will come together to advance the dialogue surrounding this mysterious, deadly and heartbreaking disease in cats.

“FIP has always been an enigma, and Winn Feline Foundation has over the decades chipped away at better understanding the disease. Over the years, Winn has hosted several symposia focused on FIP,” says Steve Dale, Board Member of Winn Feline Foundation.

Symposium Topics

Some of the topics that will be covered include:

• Drug development
• Current treatment options for FIP infected cats
• Prevention and management of FIP
• Genetics and husbandry
• How to limit FIP in shelters and foster homes

What organizations are involved in FIP research?

Winn has funded the best researchers and the most inventive coronavirus projects at institutions around the world. Some of the institutions involved with this groundbreaking research include the University of California, the University of Tennessee, Cornell University, the University of Milan, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Zurich, and Utrecht University.

Want to help?

Consider contributing to Winn Feline Foundation to help advance research for cats everywhere. If you’re particularly interested in supporting FIP research, donate to Winn Feline Foundation’s BRIA fund.

The fund is named after Bria, a nine-month old Birman kitten who died from FIP in April 2005. Bria shared her life with Susan Gingrich and her husband, James Shurskis, in Harrisburg, PA. Susan is the sister of former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and founder of the Center for Health Transformation, Newt Gingrich. The Bria Fund got its start after the Center provided a generous contribution.

Stay tuned! We’ll be keeping our eyes out for any new developments in FIP research.

Do you have experience with FIP? Please feel free to share your stories in the comments.

Photo by Anton Kraev

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