H1N1 in Pets

H1N1 infects pet cat, ferrets
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Here is a local 'Canadian' H1N1 story...

The Canadian Press

Canadians are lining up for H1N1 shots but their furry friends
can't, even though they may also be susceptible to the virus.

On Wednesday, U.S. officials confirmed that a 13-year-old cat was
infected with swine flu. The domestic shorthair was treated last
week at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and
has recovered.

"This may be the first instance where we have documentation that
transmission occurred involving cats or dogs," said U.S. Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention spokesman Tom Skinner.

Swine flu was also confirmed in two pet ferrets in Oregon and
Nebraska. Stormy, one of four pet ferrets owned by a Nebraska
family, died last week after all the animals contracted H1N1
influenza from their owners.

Scott Weese, an expert in zoonotic diseases at the University of
Guelph, said the animal cases underscore the need for owners of
companion animals to realize that "pets are part of the household
microbiologically, not just socially."

Ferrets, which are often used as a research model for infectious
diseases in humans, are likely the pets most vulnerable to flu
strains.

Pet birds, pot-bellied pigs and felines are also likely susceptible.

Dogs have their own influenza, but there is little likelihood of
Fido infecting humans or vice-versa, Weese said.

Equine influenza also doesn't affect humans.

To avoid spreading H1N1 to pets, Weese recommended avoiding close
contact, especially face-to-face, and washing hands frequently.

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