Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) occurs as a result of a viral mutation in cats infected with feline coronavirus. For decades, FIP has been a devastating condition in cats with an extremely high (95%) mortality rate and no reliable treatment options. A few years ago it was discovered that the antiviral drugs remdesivir and GS-441524 are highly effective for treating FIP, but these drugs are very expensive and there was no legal means of accessing them in Canada or the US – until now! As of 2024, Canadian veterinarians can access these life-saving drugs through an Emergency Drug Release (EDR). As these drugs and the process to access them are new to many Ontario veterinarians, the Ontario Animal Health Network is thrilled to have Dr. Kelly St. Denis with us to walk us through some of the ins and outs of these new treatment options.

Veterinarians can find the links discussed in the podcast on the OAHN website here (OAHN login required). Don’t have an OAHN login? Veterinarians and RVTs can sign up for free in one step.

UPDATE (November 2024): Please note new information on availability of GS-441524 in Canada without an EDR – see https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2024/11/articles/animals/cats/updated-fip-drug-access-canada/ for details.

This OAHN bovine podcast takes a look at highlights from surveillance in Ontario and activities of the OAHN bovine network in 2023. For more information, veterinarians can login to access full quarterly reports at www.oahn.ca

Dr. Katie Clow and Valentina Gonzalez Rodriguez from the Ontario Veterinary College join OAHN to discuss their surveillance project describing the spatial and temporal patterns of Culicoides spp in select areas of Ontario. What are Culicoides spp? Katie and Valentina explain what these insects are and describe the diversity of Culicoides spp. found and their significance to livestock in Ontario. This was a joint project between the OAHN bovine, equine and small ruminant networks and included farms of all 3 types. You can also check out the accompanying project summary at OAHN Network Project: Identification of Culicoides species found in selected areas of Ontario from June - September 2022 - Ontario Animal Health Network