On October 29, 2009, the preliminary results of H1N1 viral testing suggested that a pet cat in Iowa had been infected with H1N1 virus. Test results were confirmed on November 2, 2009, and the case was reported in a press release by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
The cat had been taken to the veterinarian because it was experiencing symptoms of a respiratory infection and laboratory samples were submitted by the veterinarian. It is presumed that a human member of the household who had been recently been ill infected the cat.
The cat has now fully recovered from its illness and there is no evidence that the virus has been passed on to other humans or other animals from this cat. This is the first confirmed case of H1N1 influenza in a cat; prior to this, the 2009 strain of this disease had only been confirmed in humans, pigs, birds, and ferrets. It serves as a reminder to all members of the public that some viruses are capable of being spread between people and animals.
As a pet owner, you should monitor your pet's health very closely, no matter what species of animal it is, and you should seek immediate veterinary care if your pet develops any signs of illness. Just because someone in your household has a respiratory illness, it does not mean that your sick pet has influenza.
People are much more susceptible to influenza than animals are, and there are many other diseases that can produce symptoms similar to influenza in your pet. Do not jump to conclusions based on a household history alone. Confirmation of this viral disease, or any other infectious disease, requires laboratory testing.
The American Veterinary Medical Association and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association are actively monitoring the H1N1 situation in animals and will be posting updates on their websites as they become available. For the most current information, go to www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus or http://canadianveterinarians.net/index.aspx
To get a handout about your pet and H1N1 virus, click on this link: https://canadianveterinarians.net/Documents/Resources/Files/1391_Pets%20and%20H1N1%20Oct%202009_revised%20Nov%204.pdf
You can help keep both you and your pet health by practicing preventative health care. That's good advice any time of the year but is even more important during flu season. If you have any questions about this or any other health issue in your pet, don't hesitate to call our clinic.
Caution: These news items, written by Lifelearn Inc., are licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written permission of Lifelearn Inc. Please note that the news information presented here is NOT a substitute for a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by our clinic veterinarian.
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