Can Dogs Get Swine Flu?

New Strain of Mexico Flu Virus is a Mix of Animal and Human Versions

Apr 30, 2009

With swine flu cases turning up in Mexico, the US, and other countries, some dog owners have asked if swine flu virus can be transmitted to or from dogs.

Alerts of a new strain of swine flu virus pandemic have dominated news stories since the first fatalities were reported in Mexico in late April 2009.

Many viruses are species specific, such as canine parvovirus, but the particular flu virus currently spreading around the world has been classified as Type A, which can occur in many species and is the most serious. The new strain is a unique variation of a H1N1 virus, which is a mix of animal and human versions. This can occur when an animal contracts two different viruses at the same time.

With this information, some dog owners are concerned about their pets. They want to know if canines can catch the flu virus or possibly transmit it to family members.

Unique Strain of Virus Combination

According to CNN’s chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the flu virus that has sickened thousands of Mexicans and citizens in other parts of the world and caused over a hundred fatalities seems to uniquely combine two strains of swine flu, one strain of bird flu, and one strain of human flu. Originating as a respiratory illness in pigs, it seems to be contagious between humans.

No Evidence Dogs Can Catch Swine Flu

Even though Dr. Gupta states that there is no evidence that dogs can get swine flu and that there have been no reports of dogs spreading flu to humans, he cautions that there is still much to learn about this new strain of swine flu. He said that, according to scientific literature, the avian H5N1 flu infected cats and at least one dog in Thailand in the past, and in 2004, the equine H3 virus seemed to affect dogs. .

As the World Health Organization urges government to prepare for a swine flu pandemic, officials are addressing concerns that the virus could possibly mutate further and become transmissible to and from other hosts or become resistant to current anti viral drugs such as Tamiflu or Relenza. To complicate matters even more, the human body is likely to have little natural immunity against new strains.

How to Prevent the Spread of Swine Flu Virus

Until scientists and medical professionals can study the new strain of swine flu further, many questions will have no definite answer. The Centers for Disease Control currently advises everyone to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue in the trash, avoid close contact with sick people, wash hands often, and avoid touching the mouth, eyes, and nose. Avoiding unnecessary travel and social contact can also help to control the spread of this potentially deadly swine flu virus.

The copyright of the article Can Dogs Get Swine Flu? in Dogs is owned by Joy Butler. Permission to republish Can Dogs Get Swine Flu? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.