Swine Flu in Dogs and Cats

H1N1 is an influenza virus that started in the swine population and mutated enough to be passed to humans. It acts differently that the regular flu in humans because the strongest of our population are getting the sickest. The oldest and the youngest are not getting as sick from this virus.

As of November 4, 2009, health officials have confirmed the first case of H1N1 in a 13 year old cat in Iowa. In this case, THE CAT CAUGHT THE VIRUS FROM THE HUMANS IN HOUSE! The cat is now doing well on the way to a full recovery.

As of November 20, 2009, there has been one confirmed feline death from H1N1. That makes a total of 3 feline cases.

H1N1 in dogs and cats summary

• · Has not been found in dogs
• · There cases where the humans got the cat sick
• · No cases of the pets getting the human sick

· You are MUCH more likely to get the virus from other people than from your pet. You may make your pet ill

H1N1 symptoms in pets:

• · Still largely unknown - only 3 cases in 3 cats reported
• · Coughing, sneezing
• · Fever, lethargic
• · Not eating
• · Just not right There has only been 3 cases of H1N1 confirmed in our house cats. It is not an epidemic. Use common flu prevention techniques to keep yourself and your pet’s health, including frequent hand washing!

For more information please visit the AVMA web site on H1N1

http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp