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Swine flu confirmed in Iowa cat
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Swine flu has been confrimed in a houseld cat
A 13-year-old cat in Iowa has tested positive for the H1N1 virus, Iowa officials confirmed today, marking it the first time the strain of influenza - known as Swine flu - has been diagnosed in a feline.
The cat, who is reportedly on the mend, developed signs of respiratory infection after at least one of its human housemates was sick with Swine flu Still, there is no evidence the cat has passed the virus to any humans, reports the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Until recently, it was believed pets could not be infected with H1N1 becuase it is uncommon for flu viruses to jump between species.
But in the last few months, the 2009 H1N1 virus had been found in humans, pigs, birds and ferrets.
In September, the USDA confrimed H1N1 in a ferret, whose owner had been diagnosed with Swine flu. On October 29, a Nebraska TV station reported that 4 ferrets became ill after the family members were sick with H1N1 virus infection. After one ferrret died, preliminary tests were positive for H1N1, but has not yet been confirmed.
And on Tuesday, the H1N1 virus was confirmed in comercial swine herd in Indiana.
The Amercican Veterinary Association is tracking all instances of H1N1 in animals and posts updates on its Web site at www.avma.org.
The AVMA warns pet owners to use common sense guidelines - handwashing, etc, and consult a veterinarian if a pet is showing any signs of illness.
Canine flu - known at H3N8 - is also making its rounds, leaving many pet owners concerned whether they should vaccinate against the disease. For info on canine influenza go to http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/pets/2009/10/17/2009-10-17_should_you_vaccinate_your_pets_veterinarians_say_it_depends_on_lifestyle.html
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