Dear Birman Breeder, We are writing to request your
help with FIP research at U. C. Davis. New tools and technology,
coupled with sequencing of the feline genome, have provided an
important window of opportunity to study a genetic basis for FIP
susceptibility. As you may know, Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
is an infectious disease that kills 1 in 100 to 1 in 300 of all cats
in the U.S. However, the incidence is 5 to 10 times greater among
young cats coming from catteries and shelters. It is a disease that
is 100% lethal, and is heartbreaking for breeders and for the
families that lose affected kittens and young cats.
Our purpose for this study is to find genetic
markers to identify FIP susceptible cats and to use these markers to
breed for resistance. In order to identify favorable or unfavorable
genetic traits, we need to concentrate our studies on bloodlines
within breeds of cats that are either inordinately susceptible or
seemingly resistant. Such bloodlines exist in virtually all breeds
of cats.
We have selected two breeds for this study, Burmese
and Birmans, not because they are more or less susceptible to FIP,
but because they are of a manageable size with breeders who have
assisted with genetic studies previously. To be successful in
this study, we need all Birman breeders to participate, even if you
have not experienced FIP. Samples are wanted from catteries
and lines that have experienced FIP, as well as from catteries and
lines that have not. We desire information on three groups of cats:
1) those that have developed FIP, regardless of age; 2) healthy cats
of any age that are close relatives (sire, dam, sibling) to cats
that have developed FIP; and 3) healthy cats of any age from
bloodlines that have been so far free of FIP. "Any age" includes
cats five years and older. We are also interested in three or more
generation families that have both FIP affected and unaffected cats,
but realize that such families will be hard to obtain.
We would also like to encourage all breeders to
collect four buccal swabs using regular cotton swabs from all of
their future litters and their sires and dams. These can be air
dried and stored in regular paper envelopes. There should only be
one cat or kitten per envelope, and you should make sure that each
envelope is dated and has the name or other identification of the
animal that is swabbed. The envelopes can be stored indefinitely at
room temperature. Since the majority of FIP deaths occur in the
first 3-16 months of life, some of these samples will unfortunately
be needed.
Please complete the attached questionnaire, and send
in DNA samples where possible. Instructions on how to take and store
those samples prior to mailing is included in this packet. Please
attach as much documentation as possible on cats that have died of
FIP. Necropsies at U. C. Davis will be free to anyone bringing in a
cat or kitten on a special appointment for confirmation of FIP
and/or euthanasia. You will be charged only for a regular visit and
for any further tests that might be indicated (tests, if any, will
be kept to a minimum and per your approval). However, we need to be
notified before your appointment so that proper preparations can be
made. If you have a cat that you want to bring in to be evaluated or
euthanized, please call (530) 752-1393 and ask for Mary Green in
Community Services.
Please be assured that your answers will be kept in
the strictest confidence. Each breeder or cattery will be
assigned a unique case number that will be used for the study, with
names kept confidential. If we are successful in identifying genetic
markers for susceptibility or resistance to FIP, breeders who have
contributed samples to this phase of the research will have first
opportunity to participate in a subsequent genetic control program.
Thank you for helping with FIP research at U. C. Davis. Sincerely,