Ever since the H1N1 influenza outbreak was first reported in the news in April 2009, pet owners have asked if dogs and cats can get swine flu. Although no dogs so far have been reported to have contracted the new strain of flu virus, pet owners have renewed concerns after a cat in Iowa was reported in late October to have caught swine flu from his owners.
The Iowa cat owners contracted swine flu and a few days later their indoor-only cat also became ill. The cat tested positive for H1N1 virus by Iowa State University researchers but was treated and has since recovered.
Can Dogs Get Swine Flu?
Kimberly May, a veterinary doctor and assistant director of professional services at the American Veterinary Medical Association, says, “No dogs are known to have caught H1N1, but that possibility can no longer be ruled out.”
Although she does not feel that the swine flu virus will become very common in dogs and cats, she also added, “Obviously if H1N1 went into a cat, it is not impossible that it could go into a dog."
Many viruses are species specific but the H1N1 virus that has recently infected thousands around the globe is classified as Type A, which can infect many species. So far, animals determined to be susceptible to the H1N1 virus include ferrets, domestic turkeys, pigs, and cats.
Can Humans Catch Swine Flu from Pets?
Even though humans can pass the H1N1 virus on to some animals, experts say there is no evidence that humans can catch the swine flu virus from cats or other pets. However, according to Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s chief medical correspondent, there is still much to learn about this new strain of flu virus. Even the experts still have no definite answers to some questions about the H1N1 virus. Although vaccines and medications to treat the flu are available, employing measures to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus seems to be the best defense.
Avoiding the Swine Flu Pandemic
Most cases of swine flu are not serious but a few simple practices can help prevent the spread of this potentially deadly illness.
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Avoid touching the mouth, eyes, and nose
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water
- Make use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers
- Consult your health care professional about the swine flu vaccine
- Avoid close contact with other humans and animals if you are sick
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue and dispose of it in the trash
Dog Flu Vaccine
Although there is no swine flu vaccine available for pets, some veterinarians recommend that dog owners take their dog for a flu shot against canine influenza. This is a highly contagious respiratory virus than can infect dogs who are out and about, such as taking walks or staying in boarding kennels.
Readers can find more information on dogs and swine flu at Can Dogs Get Swine Flu?
Sources:
Cat swine flu, Chicago Tribune
2009 H1N1 Flu, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
 |
