Oregon cat is the first feline death from H1N1 in the U.S.

  While H1N1 infection is still extremely rare in pets, there are
steps owners should take to protect their animals
(photo: wgrovum, sxc.hu)

Buddy Lou, a 10-year old tabby cat, has become the first feline death from H1N1 in the United States. It appears the cat acquired the H1N1 virus from the owner’s niece who had been sick with an influenza-like illness the previous week.

H1N1 in cats: Buddy Lou’s illness
The cat was brought to the Animal Clinic in Lebanon, Oregon, on November 4, with labored breathing and was initially diagnosed with pneumonia. His breathing worsened by the next day and the cat was admitted to the veterinary clinic for treatment with antibiotics and oxygen. Buddy Lou did not respond to treatment and X-rays on November 6 showed the fluid in his lungs had progressed well beyond what is normal in cats with pneumonia. Buddy Lou died on November 7, 2009.

The Oregon State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory diagnosed H1N1 from swabs of the nasal secretions from the cat. The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association announced the diagnosis on November 18, 2009.

Three other cats that live in the same household showed signs of respiratory infections, but all have recovered. Nasal swabs from those animals were negative for H1N1. The veterinarian is still waiting for blood test results to see if the cats had cleared the H1N1 virus from their systems before the nasal swabs were taken.

Buddy Lou was the third reported case of feline H1N1. The other two cats, one in Iowa and the other in Utah, both recovered from the illness.

H1N1 in cats: What pet owners can do to protect their animals
The transmission of H1N1 to pets is rare, only three cats (out of over 88 million in the US) and five ferrets (out of an estimated 10 million in the US) have had confirmed cases of the virus. While pet owners have been told not to panic, many are naturally concerned for the health of their animals.

The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association recommends pet owners treat their animals like any other member of the family when it comes to H1N1:

• Wash your hands with soap and water on a frequent basis (including before feeding your pets)
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water is not available
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze and throw away soiled tissues
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth of your pet
• If you become ill, limit direct contact with your pets, including birds, until you are well
• If your pet becomes ill, contact your veterinarian 

Video: Local Oregon coverage of the death of Buddy Lou by KVAL News, Eugene, Oregon

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Additional information (by Amanda C. Strosahl):

• How to Prevent Your Child from Getting Swine Flu
• Ways Parents and Teachers Can Help Prevent the Spread of H1N1 Flu in Schools
• How to Keep Your Family Healthy when One Member Has the Flu (Seasonal or H1N1)