There have been some new developments in the Swine Flu epidemic of note for pet owners. First of all the World Health Organization now refers to Swine Flu as 2009 H1N1. Since the virus infects many different species and contains genetic material from human and bird flu viruses, swine flu has always been something of a misnomer.
The big news involves the infection of a
dog in New York. Previously we've known that the virus was transmitted to domestic cats and domestic ferrets but never to a dog until just recently. There are a couple of reports of canine infection coming out of China, too.
So what does this mean for most of us?
First of all there are no known cases of 2009 H1N1 being transmitted from pets to people. All of the cases in animals appear to have come from infected humans in the house hold. You don't have to be concerned about getting flu from your dog or cat. You and your family are much more likely to contract flu from class mates, co-workers and infected friends, neighbors and family members.
Considering all the known cases of flu in people compared to the small number of cases in pets, the risk of this virus jumping over to the dog or cat is not that great. Still, if you are sick and you have pets take the normal precautions. Wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough and avoid close contact with your pet for at least 24 hours after your fever subsides.
Signs of flu in pets include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, sneezing, coughing and difficult breathing. The dog in question, a 13 year old mixed breed, is recovering now after hospitalization and treatment at a vet clinic in New York.
Of the seven cats that we know about, three have died of pneumonia complications and four have recovered. If your pet shows any of the flu signs described above take him or her in to see the vet, especially if there is a history of a family member with the flu.
There is no 2009 H1N1 vaccine for pets.
So, that's what's new on the 2009 H1N1 front. I'll keep you posted if there is anything new to report.