Molecular and Clinical Screening of Selected Feline Viral Infections in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

This study presents a new molecular epidemiology dataset on the prevalence of selected viral pathogens, including Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline coronavirus (FCoV) (systemic feline infectious peritonitis [FIP]), in domestic cats in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan region, Iraq. From October 2024 to January 2025, a total of 145 clinically suspected cats aged 2-24 months presented to private veterinary hospitals were analyzed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and reverse transcription qPCR (RT-qPCR) on blood, feces, oral swabs, and abdominal effusion. Our findings revealed that 86/145 (59.3%) cats were positive for at least one virus: FCoV (including FIP) was detected in 13/25 (52%) samples, FPV in 63/102 (61.8%), and FCV in 10/20 (50%). All categorical comparisons are presented with explicit numerical values (n and %), improving interpretability. Most positive cases were reported among younger cats (2-12 months). Additionally, infection prevalence was higher in nonvaccinated (25.9%) and stray cats (22.5%) compared with vaccinated cats (15.0%). Vaccination status was recorded; however, detailed vaccine type and schedule were not consistently available. These findings suggest a strong association between vaccination status and infection risk, underscoring the importance of immunization programs. This study establishes the first molecular baseline for feline viral infections in Sulaymaniyah and supports the development of targeted surveillance, vaccination strategies, and improved veterinary public health interventions in the region.