H1N1 flu and pets - what you need to know

Although we previously thought of influenza virus as primarily species specific, the news this past week that a pet cat in Iowa tested positive for the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, changes that.

In October, a pet ferret was also confirmed as having H1N1. That's not so surprising, since ferrets are known to be especially susceptible to influenza. In both reported cases, the pets contracted the virus from sick owners. There is no evidence that animals can give the virus to humans.

Your pet probably doesn't need a mask, but there are things you can do to help protect him from swine flu.

Other animals that have been known to contract the disease include domestic swine and poultry, leaving us to wonder if pet birds or pot belly pigs might become vulnerable. No dogs have tested positive to date. Dogs are, however, affected by the potentially fatal canine influenza virus, H3N8, for which a vaccine is available. There is no vaccine available for H1N1 in pets.

Symptoms to watch for include lethargy, runny eyes and nose, coughing or sneezing, loss of appetite, fever, and difficulty breathing. Should any of these conditions occur, consult your veterinarian immediately, especially if a person in the household is sick. As with all disease, early treatment is the best bet for a good outcome. Both the cat and the ferret mentioned in this article made full recoveries with veterinary supportive care.

Spud remains unconcerned about the swine flu outbreak.

Photo courtesy of Courtney Joy Moser Melville

If someone in the household is sick, observe the same precautions with your pet as you would with other people. Wash your hands often, cover your coughs and sneezes, and minimize contact with your pet until 24 hours after your fever is gone. Remember, the likelihood that your pet will contract H1N1 from you remains very, very small.

Dr. Cathy Theisen is a relief veterinarian in Ann Arbor, with 23 years experience in small animal medicine and surgery. Comments to cathytheisen@comcast.net.