Coronavirus (cat) (FCoV-23, virusvariant from Cyprus) - PCR

LABOKLIN Service ID: 8895

While FIP is usually considered a single animal disease after virus mutation, there was a severe outbreak of FIP disease in Cyprus in 2023 (Attipa et al., Nature, 2025 Jul 9;645(8079):228–234). Within seven months, the number of PCR-confirmed cases increased more than 40-fold compared to 2022. Subsequent investigations were able to detect a highly pathogenic recombinant feline/canine coronavirus, which is referred to as FCoV-23. Preliminary data indicate direct transmission of this virus: It seems to cause FIP without requiring a change in biotype.
We offer the specific detection of FCoV-23 following a positive feline coronavirus PCR. This can provide indications of the extent to which contagiousness can be differentiated. Among the samples submitted to Laboklin, FCoV-23 has already been detected in cats from various European countries.

Material	puncture fluid (effusions), CSF, EDTA blood
Method	PCR
Duration	2–4 working days (subsequent to a positive coronavirus test)
Remark	The test can also be requested retrospectively for samples submitted in 2023. This enables a comprehensive evaluation of earlier FIP cases.