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Cats, ferrets, pigs, birds could all be at risk from sick family members (see list below).

Why the heck we weren't warned early on that this could happen is beyond me.

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Cat in Iowa Positive for H1N1 Virus

A cat in Iowa has tested positive for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. This is the first documented case of H1N1 virus in a domestic cat.

The 13-year-old indoor cat in Iowa was brought to the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, where it tested positive for the H1N1 virus.

Both the cat and its owners have recovered from their illnesses.
Transmission

It is believed that the cat caught the virus from someone in its household who was sick with H1N1.

"Two of the three members of the family that owns the pet had suffered from influenza-like illness before the cat became ill," said IDPH Public Health Veterinarian, Dr. Ann Garvey. "This is not completely unexpected, as other strains of influenza have been found in cats in the past."

At this time, it does not appear that the cat has transmitted the virus to any other animals or humans.

Symptoms
If your cat starts to exhibit signs of a respiratory illness, lethargy, or conjunctivitis (swelling and redness of the membranes around the eyes), the animal should be examined by your veterinarian.

Treatment
As with people, treatment is supportive, which means treating the symptoms and letting the virus run its course.

Once a diagnosis is made, your veterinarian may be able to suggest medications to make the cat more comfortable.

Oregon Ferret Tests Positive for H1N1 Virus
On October 5, 2009, a client brought a ferret to a Portland, Oregon veterinary hospital. The ferret had been exhibiting weakness followed by sneezing, coughing, and an elevated temperature.

Because the client and her children previously had symptoms compatible with influenza, the attending veterinarian consulted with Dr. Emilio DeBess, Oregon State Public Health Veterinarian, and both agreed to test the ferret's nasal secretions for influenza.

On October 8, 2009, Oregon State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory presumptively diagnosed pandemic influenza H1N1 by PCR from the nasal secretions of the ferret.

On October 9, 2009, pandemic influenza H1N1 was confirmed at the National Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

The ferret is recovering well.

Other ferrets in the US have now also tested positive for the H1N1 virus, with at least one fatality.

Transmission
Pet owners should be cautious as we enter this year's flu season. Ferrets are generally susceptible to influenza A viruses under which H1N1 is classified.

In this case, it is believed that the human owner transmitted the virus to her ferret.

Symptoms
If your ferret starts to exhibit signs of a respiratory illness or lethargy, the animal should be examined by your veterinarian.

Because of the immunosuppressive effects of influenza, bacterial infection may be of concern. If discharge from the nose or eyes becomes discolored (yellow or green), or if your ferret is coughing, contact your veterinarian.

Treatment
As with people, treatment is supportive, which means treating the symptoms and letting the virus run its course.

Once a diagnosis is made, your veterinarian may be able to suggest medications to make the ferret more comfortable. You must also ensure that your ferret remains hydrated. If your ferret is very lethargic or off food and water (monitor closely), treatment with fluids and/or force feeding may be necessary.

H1N1 and Other Animals

Dogs
At this time, it is unknown as to whether dogs are considered to be susceptible to pandemic H1N1.

Canine influenza (H3N8) is a different influenza strain which is not known to be transmissible to humans.

Birds & Poultry
In August 2009, the pandemic H1N1 virus was detected in turkeys in two farms near the seaport of Valparaiso, Chile. The detection followed a decrease in both the laying rate and the egg shell quality in the flocks without noticeable mortality. Some birds had been in contact with persons with respiratory disease. Backyard poultry could potentially be at risk of H1N1 transmission from humans.

Pet Birds
Pet birds can also be susceptible to H1N1. Testing is recommended if the bird and owner both develop an influenza-like illness compatible with H1N1.

Swine
At least six pigs from Minnesota have tested positive for the H1N1 virus, the first confirmed case in the US swine population. This confirms a preliminary diagnosis of H1N1 pandemic influenza virus in swine samples collected during the 2009 Minnesota State Fair between August 26 and September 1.

According to a report from the USDA on November 2, the virus has been found for the first time in a commercial swine herd in Indiana. All animals and caretakers have recovered. USDA said the Indiana facility has continued its routine processing practices because it is safe for swine that recover from influenza viruses to be slaughtered.

Consumers are reminded that they cannot catch the influenza virus from eating pork.

Pet Pigs
Because swine are susceptible to this virus, follow standard flu prevention protocols when handling your pet pig. If you are concerned about your pet pig's health, please contact your veterinarian.

Key Points for Pet Owners

Prevention
Standard techniques to prevent the spread of influenza are recommended. These include hand-washing and using alcohol-based hand cleaners, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Try to avoid close contact with sick people and stay home from work or school if you are sick.

If you are sick, you may want to limit contact with your domestic pet, bird or backyard poultry until you are well......

Testing
Oregon State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is able to test nasal secretions of ferrets, birds, dogs, and cats as requested. Sample collected should be of the respiratory secretion with a Dacron culturette. The sample should be placed in 1-2 mls of sterile saline in a sealable container. A red top blood collection tube will work. For more information about sample collection requirements, please contact OSU VDL at (541) 737-2172......

http://oregonvma.org/news/h1n1

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Posts: 2966 | From Colorado | Registered: Dec 2005  |  IP: Logged | 

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Two Cases of H1N1 Confirmed in Colorado Cats
Friday, December 04, 2009

FORT COLLINS [CO] - Two cats from different households in Colorado have tested positive for H1N1, according to Colorado State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The felines are expected to recover, but their cases serve as a reminder to pet owners to seek veterinary attention for companion animals that appear to be ill.

The cats in these two cases were diagnosed with lower respiratory tract infections by Colorado veterinarians. Both cats are currently ill and have been ill for multiple weeks, with one illness beginning on Oct. 2 and the other beginning in early November. Antibiotics do not treat H1N1, but both cats received antibiotics as a precaution against secondary bacterial infections. Neither cat had symptoms that responded to antibiotics.

``We expect that both cats will recover, but these cases serve as a reminder to pet owners to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible if their pet seems ill. This flu has also been identified in ferrets, exotic cats and birds in the United States, so any companion animal that appears to have the flu should get immediate attention,'' said Kristy Pabilonia, a veterinarian and expert on H1N1 testing in animals at CSU. ``We are very interested in understanding more about H1N1 in cats and other pets and providing tests to veterinarians who suspect H1N1 in companion animals.''

Swabs from the cats' mouth and nose were tested by CSU and additional blood serum confirmation testing from Iowa State University confirmed that they have the pandemic H1N1 strain.

Veterinarians believe that both of the cats became ill with H1N1 after a person in their household contracted the virus.

In addition to receiving veterinary care, cats and ferrets with H1N1 should be made comfortable and get plenty of rest, enticing food and fluids.

The USDA is reporting three other confirmed cases of H1N1 in cats, one each in Oregon, Iowa and Pennsylvania. At least five ferrets have been confirmed to have H1N1, four in Oregon and one in Nebraska.

Pabilonia said that because this strain of H1N1 is new, information about how it impacts animals is limited. It is possible that any animal may be susceptible to H1N1, but no other cases have been documented in companion animals. To date, there are no reported cases of H1N1 in dogs in the United States. Pet birds have been susceptible to other strains of the flu, but no cases of H1N1 in these animals have been reported.

People with H1N1 or any flu should be careful when in contact with their pets. Pabilonia recommends that they practice social distancing with pets just as they would with people. People who are ill should wash their hands before handling pets and, if possible, have someone who is well feed and care for pets. Just like people, pets are exposed to H1N1 through aerosols -- fluids released when someone sneezes, coughs or touches their face and then a surface.

Because there have only been a few cases of H1N1 flu in pets, veterinarians have limited information about the symptoms. Pets with H1N1 may behave as if they aren't feeling well, acting lethargic and may appear to have a respiratory illness. If a pet seems ill, it should be taken to a veterinarian for an exam as soon as possible and the veterinarian should be alerted that the pet has been exposed to someone with influenza.

CSU's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is testing pets for H1N1 as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Animal Health Laboratory Network. The test detects H1N1 influenza virus in animals. Tests are performed on nasal or mouth swabs. Swabs should be obtained by a veterinarian and submitted to the lab for results.
http://www.news.colostate.edu/Release/4934

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"I think we're probably going to be seeing more (pet) cases in the future. There is more focus on it so people are looking harder," said Dr. Kristy Pabilonia of the Colorado State University Department of Veterinary Medicine, which confirmed two new cases in cats on Friday.

And one last warning from Dr. Michael Greger, a Washington-based physician and director of public health and animal agriculture for the Humane Society of the United States: Don't share human medicine with your pets. Flu drugs are dose specific and one size does not fit all, so the cure could be as dangerous to your pet as the disease, he said.
http://enews.earthlink.net/article/hea?guid=20091208/784bb310-62ea-4d63-8b79-bee021efad63

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(Please note that the above quote refers to traditional flu medicines, not homeopathic medicines.)

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Tracy
.... Prayers for the Lyme Community - every day at 6 p.m. Pacific Time and 9 p.m. Eastern Time � just take a few moments to say a prayer wherever you are�.

Posts: 2966 | From Colorado | Registered: Dec 2005  |  IP: Logged |