FYI: all pet lover/owners... especially cat people

[Chris Anderson/Onefeather]

SWINE FLU / H1N1 JUST CONFIRMED IN AN IOWA CAT
by Dr. Donna Spector

November 9th, 2009

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.

Donna Spector, DVM, DACVIM,is a renowned, board-certified Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist who has practiced at the Animal Medical Center in New York City and other leading institutions. She is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Spector has written and lectured extensively on topics including nutrition, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney failure and respiratory disease. She is widely recognized for her role as consulting veterinarian to HALO, Purely for Pets, her TV appearances with Ellen DeGeneres and her widely-quoted pet health advice in print and on radio. She currently works in Chicago, performing independent internal medicine consultations for dogs and cats.