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November 6, 2009
Update on H1N1 (Swine Flu) in Pets
The latest rumors about how swine flu can affect your pet are spreading—but we're here to set the record straight! Read on for some expert advice from Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA.
"On November 2, test results confirmed that a pet cat was infected by the H1N1 (swine flu) virus, which was most likely transmitted by human family members," reports Dr. Murray. "The cat was tested for the virus at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and results were positive. All family members, including the cat, have now recovered."
The H1N1 influenza virus contains genetic material from four different influenza viruses, including human, swine, and avian influenza viruses. Previously known to be transmittable to both pigs and turkeys by infected humans, this is the first reported case of H1N1 affecting a cat. Several pet ferrets also recently became infected with the virus by human family members.
According to Dr. Murray, there is no evidence to date of a dog with H1N1 or of any human beings infected by a pet. However, she adds, "Commonsense measures should be taken with all pets to decrease the likelihood of potential virus transmission, including keeping pets out of the bedroom of anyone with flu-like illness and away from contaminated objects."
The ASPCA recommends that pet parents with flu-like symptoms protect their pets by washing hands thoroughly, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with pets during the course of illness.
If your pet is displaying symptoms such as lethargy, coughing, sneezing or difficulty breathing—especially after a human family member has recently suffered from influenza—please contact your veterinarian. For more information about keeping your pet healthy this flu season, please check out our wintertime pet safety tips.
Category: Pet Care
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Submitted by Jasmine at: November 11, 2009
I hate any kind of abuse. It makes me so angry. I watched the show ASPCA and i always knews to curse out the owners because they are so stupid. I love animals very much. They have rights to. Also its the owners fault that they are agressive or behave bad. You have to take time to train it. Dont get a dog if your not going to take care of it.
Submitted by gabriella at: November 11, 2009
i love animals but when people abuse them it makes me totally sick. i wish that people wouldnt abuse them they didnt do anything wrong besides its the owners fault cause they taught them to be aggressive animals take on the action of there owner who beat them and treated them wrong i find that to be TOTALLY WRONG...... be safe all animals of the world . animals need freedom all animals really do
Submitted by Mike at: November 10, 2009
This makes me so angry. The root of this problem is factory farming. It's a disgusting practice that needs to be corrected before it's too late!
Submitted by melissa at: November 9, 2009
yucca is toxic to cats and dogs. do not feed it to him anymore http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/yucca.html
Submitted by amanda at: November 8, 2009
take care all of you puppies...
Submitted by amanda at: November 8, 2009
take care puppies
Submitted by Peggy Port at: November 8, 2009
I did not enjoy the jokes made about animal abuse on Saturday Night Live. Animal abuse is not a joke, and they need to make an apology.
Submitted by ed at: November 7, 2009
i have a 4 mo old puppy i gave hin 3 small pieces of fryed yuca' ( tropical yuca root]about an hour later he began to throw up for about 10 mins and than stopped. its been about an hour and he seems to be doing ok. did i make him sick.
Submitted by Jennifer at: November 7, 2009
I looked at this article with a bit of fear because I knew that some animals could get the H1N1 Influenza Virus but when I found out dogs haven't been affected by it yet I knew I wouldnt have to worry hopefully for a long time.