H1N1 Flu and Pets: Some Cautionary Tips

With the H1N1 aka "Swine Flu" continuing to be a hot topic in the news, folks are concerned about whether the virus is contagious to their pets.

Early in November, the Department of Public Health in Iowa made an announcement that a cat became infected with the virus shortly after a family of three became ill with Flu symptoms. And while infectious disease specialists thought that cats and dogs were less susceptible to the virus than pigs, turkeys, ferrets and humans, recently their thinking has definitely been changed.

The ailing 13-year-old indoor-only cat was taken to the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine for treatment where a diagnosis of H1N1 was confirmed by the collective work of the Iowa Department of Public Health, The State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, Immunobiotics, the Translational Comparative Medicine, Center for Advanced Host Defenses, the USDA, and the IDALS Animal Industry Bureau. And while the family and the cat made a complete recovery, according to the Pet Health Examiner, it is "clear that cats can become infected with the H1N1 influenza virus. Sadly, the last reported case has been fatal."

Oregon Cat with H1N1, photo from Pet Health Examiner Recently a cat, living in Oregon, succumbed to the virus, becoming ill a week after being exposed to child living in the same household exhibiting flu-like symptoms. The cat exhibited symptoms of labored breathing, and was diagnosed with pneumonia by the veterinarian.

The cat died on November 7. Necropsy results were positive for the H1N1 Influenza. Samples sent to the National Veterinary Service Laboratories for confirmation are still pending, however. The diagnosis at this time is presumptive for H1N1. The cat was one of four felines in this household. Nothing has been reported yet about the health of the remaining cats.

The AVMA and veterinary experts recommend that a few simple precautions should be taken to minimize the possibility of pets becoming ill through contact with humans. They suggest that if household members are displaying flu-like symptoms that folks wash their hands thoroughly, avoid close contact with pets for the duration of illness, covering nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. Naturally, sharing the bedroom with pets during illness should be discouraged, and giving pets an alternative place to sleep is prudent for the duration of the virus.

Be on the lookout for symptoms of illness in your pets: lethargy, coughing, sneezing, labored or difficult breathing and loss of appetite, especially if someone in the household has recently been sick with the flu. If these symptoms develop, immediately contact your veterinarian.

For more information about which species of pets are at risk for contracting the virus, visit: http://www.examiner.com/x-7468-Pet-Health-Examiner~y2009m10d26-H1N1-influenza-Swine-flu-Which-pets-are-at-risk

What concerns do you have about the H1N1 virus and your pets? Share them by leaving a comment.