Forget about animals infecting humans. Humans appear to be the culprits for infecting companion animals and pets.
Cats and Ferret H1N1 Infections Reported and Confirmed
One fatality was reported in October 2009. In Nebraska, a ferret died, confirmed by a United States Department of Agriculture laboratory as Swine Flu. Three ferrets living in one Oregon household were diagnosed with H1N1 infections at about the same time.
Sources confirm that Iowa reports and confirms one domestic cat diagnosed with the H1N1 flu. The Iowa State Veterinarian and the Department of Health confirmed H1N1 infection. The family had been showing symptoms of Swine Flu when the animal became ill. Family and cat recovered.
Other reports allude to animals infected with Swine Flu in other countries. Evidence of swine infected with H1N1 in Canada and Chili reported the disease also struck turkeys. Thus far dogs have not been reported as contracting the disease.
Protect Pets from Swine Flu
People can protect their pets in similar ways used to protect family members from disease transmission. A little effort and a lot of common sense will keep humans and animals safe from the flu germs.
- Frequent and thorough hand washing, especially before handling pets or preparing their food.
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Avoid contact with pets during the illness. For example avoid sharing a bed or furniture with pets during the illness.
Pet Symptoms for H1N1, Swine Flu
Animals contract the H1N1 infection in much the same way as humans. They display similar symptoms including:
- mild respiratory problems
- lethargy
- fever
- runny nose and eyes
- sneezing
- coughing
- changes in breathing patterns
- labored breathing
- decreased appetite
Veterinarians can prescribe or suggest treatments to keep your animal comfortable. But once the cat or pet shows symptoms, that is not the time to take it to the veterinarian's office.
Preventative Medicine Best for Pets to Avoid Swine Flu
Keep pets in overall good health, especially during flu season. Preventative medicine, good health visits to veterinarians, and general common sense attention to pet care and good hygiene – for animal and human – prove the best ways for pet and human to stay healthy.
There is no evidence that humans can be infected by animals. But it is common sense to keep your face away from a sick animal and to frequently wash your hands and keep them quarantined or at least not sleeping in your bed until they return to good health.
Source:
The Humane Society of the United States
The New York Times
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Dawn Goldsmith - Dawn Goldsmith is a freelance writer and former news reporter with Freedom Communications and Gannett. Her work has been published in a ...
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