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China and US now share more than a love for designer brand knockoffs, baseball, and Kung Fu movies, as a recent AVMA report confirms infection of 2009 H1N1 in a dog from New York. Up to this point, China was the only country to have reported canine infection with “Swine Flu” (see Swine Flu infects dogs in China).
In the US, birds, felines, ferrets, and pigs have tested positive for H1N1 infection, but no canine infections have yet been reported until a dog from Bedford, New York tested positive for 2009 H1N1 by Idexx Laboratories and the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory.
The 13 year old canine showed signs of upper respiratory tract infection, such as coughing. Additionally, more generalized signs of infection, such as decreased appetite, lethargy, and increased body temperature let the owner take pursue further diagnostics and treatment. Radiographs (x-rays) confirmed pneumonia, which was also reported in a cat from Oregon who died after being infected with 2009 H1N1 (see H1N1 kills Oregon cat). Fortunately, the New York dog improved after 48 hours of hospitalization for veterinary care and been subsequently discharged. It is unknown if the dog has a history of medical ailments or immune system deficiency that could predispose the canine body to 2009 H1N1 infection.
Pets showing signs of upper respiratory tract infection (coughing, sneezing, nasal and ocular discharge, labored breathing, etc) should be tested for 2009 H1N1 within 7 days of onset of their clinical illness. China and US now share more than a love for designer brand knockoffs, baseball, and Kung Fu movies, as a recent AVMA report confirms infection of 2009 H1N1 in a dog from New York. Up to this point, China was the only country to have reported canine infection with “Swine Flu” (see Swine Flu infects dogs in China).
Pets showing signs of upper respiratory tract infection (coughing, sneezing, nasal and ocular discharge, labored breathing, etc) should be tested for 2009 H1N1 within 7 days of onset of their clinical illness.
As with other cases of 2009 H1N1 infections in companion animals, the New York dog was exposed after a human household member fell ill with the disease. This transmission of an infectious agent from one species to another is considered a zoonotic disease. There have been no reported cases of cats, dogs, or other pets infecting people.
With the increasing variety of species testing positive for 2009 H1N1, pet owners have to be extra vigilant about maintaining appropriate practices to curtail the spread of infectious organisms among people and pets.
Practice good sanitary habits by washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. If you are sick, avoid close contact with others, including your animal companions. Should your pet show signs of respiratory tract illness (or any other concerning abnormalities), please schedule an examination with your veterinarian.
Photo credit CDC H1N1
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