H1N1 has been confirmed in domestic ferrets and cats by independent sources, the Humane Society of the U.S. reports.
The USDA confirmed the ferret case in Nebraska, and the Iowa State Veterinarian and Dept. of Health confirmed the cat case in that state. One ferret in Nebraska died from H1N1, and the remaining pets are recovering.
No H1N1 cases have been reported yet in dogs, but canine influenza cases are increasingly being reported.
All animal cases of H1N1 appear to be from contact with infected people in the household, and the HSUS stresses to all pet owners and animal lovers to use the same illness prevention measures for cross-infection of influenza (all types) between people.
Take steps to avoid spreading H1N1 or other types of influenza:
- Wash your hands! Thoroughly and frequently. Carry hand sanitizer with you
- Sneeze into your elbow, not your hands
- Keep yourself and your pets hydrated with fresh water
- Keep surfaces handled by multiple people clean (it may be a good year to buy stock in Chlorox and Lysol!)
HSUS notes that H1N1 vaccines are not suitable for animals, just for people.
For more information on flu in pets - how it is spread, how to prevent infection, and canine influenza - see this previous article.
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