Iowa Cat Tests Positive for H1N1

Up until today it was thought household pets couldn’t catch the H1N1 virus (also known as swine flu), but an Iowa cat has just proved earlier assumptions wrong!

The 13-year-old indoor house cat, who has fully recovered from the illness, reportedly caught the virus from one of two human household members who were sick with H1N1. It isn’t believed that the cat has passed the virus on to anyone — or anything! — else. An IDPH Public Health veterinarian says it’s actually not that unexpected, and that other flu strains have been found in cats before.

Up until today the H1N1 virus had only been found in humans, pigs, birds and ferrets:

It is well known that some viruses can be transmitted from people to their pets so the case of the Iowa cat isn’t a surprise. But the case is prompting the association, along with the American Association of Feline Practitioners, to remind pet owners “they should monitor their pets’ health very closely, no matter what type of animal, and visit a veterinarian if there are any signs of illness.” ~ source

People can keep themselves and their pets healthy by washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and minimizing contact with their pets while ill with flu-like symptoms. If your pet exhibits signs of a respiratory illness, contact your vet.

[image: flickr]