Swine Flu in Pets?
Afraid of your Pets Getting Swine Flu?
Given the present press coverage regarding this flu, this is not an unrealistic concern. But what’s surprising is that while most pet owners are worried about catching the flu from their cats and dogs, the recent case of a cat contracting the Swine Flu (also called H1N1) came from the owners themselves.
The cat was tested in Iowa, and the American Veterinary Medical Association confirmed the diagnosis on November 4, 2009. Both the cat and it’s owners have fully recovered at this date.
Here’s what we Definitely know about the Transmission of Swine Flu
As with most viruses that spread rapidly among the human populace, birds play the primary role in the initial transmission and distribution of the virus itself. Wild birds are thought to be ground zero in the dissemination of flu viruses that are classified as influenza Type A viruses, which includes the Swine Flu virus. Influenza viruses classified at Type B are primarily transferred and disseminated among the human population solely, except in rare cases. True to it’s name, the Swine Flu did in fact originate in pigs, and the possibility of pig to human transferrence of the virus is higher than from other animals.
Precautions you can Take
Regardless of what kind of flu overtakes your dog or cat, the following precautions always apply:
• Avoid handling your pets directly if you are infected with the flu;
• Practice proper hygiene and appropriate sanitation measures in the event of any flu cases that develop – this would include the frequent washing of hands and any other personal items that would likely harbor the virus on their surfaces. Since pets often share our furniture and beds on a daily basis, they should be discouraged from contact from these items during the length of your illness as well.
• Monitor your pets closely to check for any signs of illness or undue stress;
• Take your dog and cat immediately to your veterinarian if any signs of the flu are detected. Do not attempt to treat your pet yourself at home – animals are treated quite differently than humans when ill, so despite your best intentions, get professional help as soon as possible in this instance.
Don’t try any home remedies for your Pet
To date this year, over 5,000 people have died from the Swine Flu virus, and we definitely know that it can pass from individual to individual quite easily. We still do not know if it’s easy for pet owners to pass it on to their pets – but in any event, don’t delay in treating this flu (or any flu, for that matter) when your animal shows the telltale signs of infection.
It all boils down to keeping yourself healthy and giving your pets the best in pet health care in case they become infected. For further information about the Swine Flu and your pets, you can go to the CDC website for the latest updates.
From the Blogosphere
Connecticut Officials Study Swine Flu in Cats
Talk of the H1N1 or swine flu is buzzing around the country.
ASPCA | Update on H1N1 (Swine Flu) in Pets The latest rumors about how swine flu can affect your pet are spreading—but we’re here to set the record straight!
Consumer Reports – Not just for pigs and humans: Swine Flu advice for your pets
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, your pet should be more wary of you than the other way around.
Clearing up misconceptions about the H1N1 virus, or Swine Flu
It is true, the H1N1, Swine flu, was identified in a cat from Iowa.
More on swine flu and pets – Dog-Owned Life
Animals infected with H1N1 usually exhibit mild respiratory symptoms, or none at all.
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Tags: Pet Health Care, Pets