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The swine flu (H1N1 virus) is worrying everyone across the country with the outbreak in North America, so it is not surprising that dog owners are wondering if their dogs could be at risk of contracting swine flu as well. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), despite being called swine flu, the virus is being spread by people not animals. Interestingly enough, the AVMA states that “None of the US cases had contact with pigs….and no US pigs have been found to be infected with this flu strain.”
So Where is the Virus Coming From?
That could be a mystery because the major world health organizations (e.g. The Centers for Disease Control) are still trying to investigate the cases to determine where exactly the virus came from. As you may recall, the virus was reported in central Mexico, Texas and California in the spring. It is believed that the virus had the ability to spread and could now be a worldwide issue. If you would like to keep up to date with the situation on the HIN1 flu, visit the CDC web site by clicking here.
Do Dog Owners Need to Worry About Giving the Swine Flu to their Dogs?
Well, according to the AVMA, there is no evidence that pets are susceptible to the swine flu as it appears to be transmitted only from person to person or from human to swine. So for now, it looks like dogs are safe from the swine flu although the AVMA goes on to say that there is not enough information to determine if the H1N1 virus can be transmitted to other animals; therefore, it is advisable to wash your hands after handling animals. The good news is that there have been no reported cases (in 2009) of the swine flu being contracted by eating pork. It is believed that the H1N1 virus is not a food-borne disease.
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© COPYRIGHT STATEMENT: This article is the original work of Bobbi Leder. Under no circumstances may any portion of this article be broadcast, copied, published, rewritten, or used without the permission of the author. To purchase an article by Bobbi Leder, email bobbi.leder@yahoo.com. |
Comments
Great update for concerned pet owners.
Interesting topic, Bobbi. I had not thought of this concern, but glad to hear that they are not at risk!
This is something I hadn't considered. Thanks!
It's such a strange virus... Good to know that dogs seem to be safe from it... I am assuming the same goes for cats... (We have 2!) Thanks for the info!
Good news about swine flu. But consider canine influenza. A vaccination for it was announced this summer. See our askavet.us blog
My mistake. You can read about the vaccination for canine influenza on the findavet.us blog
Hi Suzan,
Swine flu is of concern now because children have gone back to school, and dog owners want to know if their dogs can get it too. Canine influenza is different than the swine flu and a completely separate issue. I am very aware of the vaccine for canine influenza that was approved by the USDA in May. Hence the reason I will be writing about canine influenza in the future. Thanks!
Very good to know. We adopted a black lab this past week. I will be watching your educational articles.
At least the dogs in the house are safe :)
Great topic and article. Thanks for covering it!
Thanks for the info.
Seem that swine flu has been infecting all over the country...
gaga
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