Prevention and methods of mitigating transmission of FIV, FeLV and SARS-CoV-2 from cats to humans

The Covid-19 pandemic has shown how much of a global threat animal-borne viruses pose to human health and life. Despite increased hygiene practices, interspecies transmission of viruses can still occur. Pathogens undergo mutations, which makes it difficult to develop effective vaccines and targeted therapies. The tendency of viruses to mutate, their virulence and the ease of spreading in populations make it necessary to develop methods for neutralization and drugs against these pathogens. The paper presents an overview of substances effective in disinfecting surfaces contaminated with viruses transmitted by cats, such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV -2) that may be transmitted by these animals. Ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, octenisept 4-phenoxyethanol, IV ammonium salts and mixtures of these substances effectively eliminate feline viruses. The article also discusses drugs used to treat infections and draws attention to misconceptions spread among cat owners.