Pet cat in U.S. catches swine flu

[Guest guest]

Pet cat in U.S. catches swine flu

Wed Nov 4, 2009 4:10pm EST

 

(Reuters) - A cat in Iowa has tested positive for H1N1 swine flu, the

first time a cat has been diagnosed with the new pandemic strain, the

American Veterinary Medical Association said on Wednesday.

The 13-year-old cat apparently caught the virus from one of the people

living in the house, the group said in a statement. It has recovered

and does not appear to have infected anyone or anything else.

 

Pigs are the original source of the H1N1 virus and it has been found

in several herds, as well as in a pet ferret. Ferrets are especially

susceptible to human influenza viruses.

 

" Two of the three members of the family that owns the pet had suffered

from influenza-like illness before the cat became ill, " Iowa

Department of Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Ann Garvey said in a

statement.

 

" This is not completely unexpected, as other strains of influenza have

been found in cats in the past. " Both the cat and its owners have

recovered from their illnesses.

 

The AVMA has a website on H1N1 illnesses in U.S. animals at

www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus. Dogs and horses also

can catch various influenza strains, although none have so far been

diagnosed with H1N1.

 

" Indoor pets that live in close proximity to someone who has been sick

are at risk and it is wise to monitor their health to ensure they

aren't showing signs of illness, " said Dr. David Schmitt, state

veterinarian for Iowa.

 

The new H1N1 passes easily from person to person and has infected

millions globally since March, killing at least 5,000 people whose

infections have been documented.

 

You're just jealous because the voices only talk to me!