Paws to Ponder

Testing Pawsitive for H1N1

The question that pet owners have been asking for the past few months appears to have finally been answered by an Iowa cat. Can pets contract swine flu (2009 H1N1)? Despite reassuring news stories speculating that H1N1 could not spread to household pets the answer appears to be the opposite.

Last week the news spread that a thirteen year old cat developed respiratory issues after several of the human members of the household became sick. The cat was tested for H1N1 and the results confirmed the case. The cat is reported to be recovering from the illness.

While this particular case has spread like wildfire it is not exactly the first case of a household pet coming down with the infection. A similar story occurred last month involving four ferrets in Nebraska that became ill after the household's human counterparts became sick with H1N1. In this case one of the ferrets died, however it should be noted that ferrets are especially sensitive to any respiratory illness. Another previous confirmed case of H1N1 in a ferret also occurred in Oregon.
In each case you will notice that the pet most likely contracted the illness from humans. There has been no evidence of pets spreading the virus to humans. It is unknown whether an infected pet can spread H1N1 to your other pets. However, there are precautions you can take in order to help prevent transfer of H1N1 between humans and pets.

First, we should all be washing our hands regularly whether we are sick or not. If you are experiencing symptoms of the flu you should take precautions such as sneezing or coughing into your sleeve or a tissue and not your hands. Remember, you use your hands to pet your furry companions. You should also minimize contact with your pets for at least 24 hours after your fever subsides. Take particular care with indoor pets in close contact with humans since they have increased exposure.

If your pet is experiencing respiratory issues such as coughing or sneezing you should contact your Veterinarian and bring your pet in for an exam. If warranted your Vet can send out a test to a lab specifically for H1N1. Treatment is much like that of other respiratory infections. There is a chance that pets with already compromised immune systems may be more susceptible or have additional complications.

Other cases of H1N1 have been reported in pigs in multiple countries including the US as well as a flock of turkeys in Ontario. Some are speculating that pet birds might be susceptible to H1N1 based on the turkey case. Those with pet pigs should probably consider taking precautions as well. The FDA, AVMA and other sources say there is no risk to food safety due to H1N1.

Currently the limited cases of swine flu in animals are being referred to as isolated cases. Right now there is no reason to be overly concerned about H1N1 in pets, but instead to simply take the same precautions that you would to prevent contracting it yourself.

Please send comments, questions, and topics of interest to Rose Atwood of Woodcrest Kennel and Woodcrest Airedales at raa@woodcrestkennel.com or 32 Sawyer Brook Rd, Orford, NH 03777.