Cat dies of H1N1 influenza virus: First feline fatality reported

An Oregon cat has died with a H1N1 influenza virus infection.

It has recently become clear that cats can become infected with the H1N1 influenza virus. Sadly, the last reported case has been fatal.

H1N1 virus kills cat in Oregon

A cat located in Oregon has died of a presumed infection with the H1N1 influenza virus. The cat was one of four in the household. A child in the household had recently been ill with flu-like symptoms.

The cat became ill approximately one week following the child's illness. Though no symptoms of sneezing or coughing had been noted, the cat was displaying labored breathing and was diagnosed with pneumonia. On November 7, the cat passed away. Samples were taken and tested positive on presumptive testing for H1N1 influenza. Additional samples were sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) for confirmation and are still pending. Therefore, at this time, the diagnosis is presumed to be H1N1 infection but not confirmed.

What pet owners can do to protect against H1N1 viral infection

This information is causing alarm for pet owners and many are wondering what they can do to protect their pets from the H1N1 virus.

• Practice good hygiene and sanitation.
• Remain vigilant regarding your pet's health, particularly if your pet is a cat or a ferret.
• Cats or ferrets with flu-like symptoms should be examined by their veterinarian. This is especially important if there have been sick people in the household.

Readers who enjoyed this article might also enjoy:

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• Influenza in pets: Canine influenza, avian influenza and the risk of swine flu
• Influenza in ferrets: The threat posed by the human flu virus and the H1N1 swine flu
• Canine influenza — A contagious flu virus easily passed from dog to dog
• Vaccine now available for potentially deadly canine influenza virus
• Pet Health 101: Is the new canine influenza vaccine recommended for all dogs?

The copyright of the article Cat dies of H1N1 influenza virus is owned by Lorie Huston. Permission to republish Cat dies of H1N1 influenza virus in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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