2009 H1N1 Confirmed in an Iowa Cat

A 13 year old cat developed lethargy, decreased appetite and trouble breathing after several human members of its family became ill with H1N1 flu. Yesterday it was confirmed as the first case of H1N1 flu in a cat and the cat is recovering. To date, there is no indication that this cat passed the virus to any people.

In addition to people, at this point in the United States, 2009 H1N1 has been documented in pigs, two ferrets, and now one cat. Based on evidence available at this time, all infections were spread from people to these animals. It is unknown if pets can spread the infection to people. The USDA has begun posting documented infection in domestic animals at FINAL RESULTS 2009 PANDEMIC H1N1 INFLUENZA CHART.

Other influenza viruses have been known to cross species and all pet owners should take the same hygiene precautions against spreading H1N1 flu to pets as they would with humans. In addition, pets should be monitored for any signs of illness and a veterinarian should be contacted immediately if you have concerns. There is no H1N1 flu vaccine available for pets at this time.

Q: What about transmission of CURRENT swine flu (4/09) to birds/parrots?

A: In general, influenza viruses are species specific and not readily passed from one species to another. However, since the 2009 H1N1 flu virus contains genetic elements of human, pig and avian flu viruses, these species are the most susceptible to infection with this current virus.

Until Sunday 5/3/09, no cases of 2009 H1N1 flu had been reported in species other than humans. Sunday CNN reported that 2009 H1N1 flu had been identified in a herd of pigs in Canada. These pigs are suspected to have caught the virus from an infected farmer. After returning from a trip to Mexico, this farmer developed flu-like symptoms and is now recovering. The pigs are currently quarantined and being monitored closely.

Although possible, there have been no reports of the 2009 H1N1 flu in birds.

Although there is a plethora of information available about people and swine flu what about our beloved pets? Many concerned pet owners want to know if their dog or cat is at risk and what they can do to protect them.

The good news is that there have been no documented influenza (flu) transmissions between people and their pets. While dogs and cats both have contagious influenza viruses that are capable of causing illness, these viruses are very species specific and do not pose a risk to humans. Similarly, the influenza viruses of people are very specific and up to this point have been unable to infect and cause illness in pets.

If you are an owner of a pot-bellied pig, these pets should be considered at risk for contracting the swine flu virus. Signs to look for include coughing, sneezing, discharge from the nose and eyes, fever, decreased energy and appetite. The good news is that swine flu is usually mild in pigs and most will recover without incident. If you suspect your pig is ill, CALL your veterinarian for medical advice. Do not take your pig into the vet as they may serve as source of infection for people. Visit the CDC website about taking proper precautions for yourself.

Influenza viruses are very formidable bugs…they are capable of changing their structure (by mutating through a process called “antigenic drift”) to enable them to survive and spread in an environment. While there have never been reported cases of flu spreading from humans to dogs and cats, the nature of these viruses are ever-changing. If you are suspicious your dog or cat seems ill, contact you veterinarian for advice.

For more information about swine flu, visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
For more information about dog flu, visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/
For more information about cat flu, visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/13/4/662.htm