H1N1 influenza (Swine flu): Which pets are at risk?

Ferrets are susceptible to the H1N1 influenza virus.
Photo Credit: Flickr.com/AMagill

The H1N1 influenza virus outbreak has now been characterized as a national emergency and many people are wondering how this virus, formerly referred to as the "swine flu", will affect their pets. It does appear that the H1N1 virus poses a threat to some pets, while others appear to be safe from infection, at least at the current time.

H1N1 influenza and ferrets

The H1N1 flu virus has been isolated from at least one ferret, providing proof that the virus can pose a threat to ferrets. Many influenza virus strains are contagious between ferrets and their human companions and it comes as no big surprise that the H1N1 virus is transmissible as well.

In most instances, the H1N1 virus in ferrets is likely to produce mild, flu-like symptoms similar to that caused by other flu virus strains. However, complications are not impossible and ferret owners noticing flu-like symptoms in their ferrets should contact their veterinarian for advice.

There is currently no vaccine available for ferrets providing protection against the H1N1 influenza virus.

H1N1 flu virus and swine

The H1N1 influenza virus has been identified in several groups of swine raised for commercial purposes. Currently, work is underway to produce a vaccination providing protection against the H1N1 virus for pigs.

People keeping pet pigs, such as pot-bellied pigs and other "mini" pig breeds, should be aware that their pets are susceptible to the H1N1 virus. Symptoms associated with infection with the H1N1 virus are respiratory symptoms similar to those seen with other influenza virus strains. As with ferrets, pet pig owners should contact their veterinarians for advice if their pigs are exhibiting flu-like symptoms

Canine influenza and infection with H1N1 in dogs

At the current time, there is no evidence that the H1N1 virus is contagious to dogs. There have been no reported cases of H1N1 infection in dogs.

Canine influenza is a viral disease in dogs which caused by a influenza virus. However, the canine influenza virus is a different strain than the H1N1 strain and, to date, the canine influenza virus is not known to be transmissible to people.

Cats and H1N1 influenza

There is not evidence at the current time that the H1N1 virus is contagious to cats. Cats have been known to be susceptible to other strains of flu viruses, such as the avian influenza virus, however.

Influenza viruses as a group are famous for their ability to mutate and change. These changes can sometimes occur fairly rapidly. Pet owners are advised to remain informed about current information pertaining to the H1N1 virus and its ability to affect pets. However, at the current time, there is no need to panic about H1N1 infection involving dogs and cats. Ferret and pig owners, however, are advised to take precautions to protect their pets from the H1N1 influenza virus.

Addendum: Since the publication of this article, the H1N1 strain of influenza has been identified in a cat. The implications for transmission of "swine flu" between cats and people remains unclear at this time. However, it is likely reasonable to take precautions when handling cats, such as thoroughly washing hands afterward. It is also reasonable for pet owners to avoid handling of their cats by people who are showing flu-like symptoms.

Readers who enjoyed this article might also enjoy:

• Swine flu: Recent outbreaks in people and swine flu in pigs
• Swine flu in pet pot bellied pigs and other pets
• 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 H1N1 influenza (Swine flu): Which pets are at risk? is owned by Lorie Huston. Permission to republish H1N1 influenza (Swine flu): Which pets are at risk? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.