H1N1 virus in pets

[sunimist]

Ran across this info today and thought you might be interested in checking it out if you haven't already seen it.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,571691,00.html

Cushy also provided these links on the subject.

http://www.radioiowa.com/2009/11/04/iowa-cat-tests-positive-for-h1n1/
http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/news/article_678e3d8e-c95d-11de-814a-001cc4c03286.html

Shelba

[AlisonandMia]

There is a post about this at the Dolittler blog: http://www.dolittler.com/2009/11/05/Ugh.HN.goes.feline.html

Alison

[littleone1]

I was just wondering if there was any evidence of H1N1 in canines, especially our babies that have Cushing's?

[acushdogsmom]

I was just wondering if there was any evidence of H1N1 in canines, especially our babies that have Cushing's?So far it seems the only confirmed cases of H1N1 in pets have been in that one pet cat in Iowa and in a pet ferret in Oregon
( see http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/ORferret_091020.asp )

And both the ferret and the cat apparently have recovered.

Here are some links at the AVMA website where you can read about H1N1 as pertains to pets and keep up with any news that would be of interest to pet owners:

AVMA news re: 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus Outbreak:
http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/

AVMA Frequently Asked Questions About 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus:
http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/new_flu_virus_faq.asp

Pet Owners FAQ:
http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/new_flu_virus_faq_pet_owners.asp

Veterinarians FAQ:
http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/new_flu_virus_faq_veterinarians.asp

[littleone1]

Thank you so much for this information. I worry more about Corky than I do about myself.

[acushdogsmom]

Canine H1N1 case confirmed in New York:

http://www.examiner.com/x-801-Pet-Care-Examiner~y2009m12d22-First-US-canine-2009-H1N1-infection-confirmed-in-New-York


China and US now share more than a love for designer brand knockoffs, baseball, and Kung Fu movies, as a recent AVMA report confirms infection of 2009 H1N1 in a dog from New York. Up to this point, China was the only country to have reported canine infection with “Swine Flu” (see Swine Flu infects dogs in China).

In the US, birds, felines, ferrets, and pigs have tested positive for H1N1 infection, but no canine infections have yet been reported until a dog from Bedford, New York tested positive for 2009 H1N1 by Idexx Laboratories and the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory.

The 13 year old canine showed signs of upper respiratory tract infection, such as coughing. Additionally, more generalized signs of infection, such as decreased appetite, lethargy, and increased body temperature let the owner take pursue further diagnostics and treatment. Radiographs (x-rays) confirmed pneumonia, which was also reported in a cat from Oregon who died after being infected with 2009 H1N1 (see H1N1 kills Oregon cat). Fortunately, the New York dog improved after 48 hours of hospitalization for veterinary care and been subsequently discharged. It is unknown if the dog has a history of medical ailments or immune system deficiency that could predispose the canine body to 2009 H1N1 infection.


http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp


December 21, 2009
IDEXX Laboratories has confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in a dog in Bedford Hills, New York. A 13-year old dog became ill after its owner was ill with confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza. The dog was lethargic, coughing, not eating, and had a fever. Radiographs (x-rays) showed evidence of pneumonia. The dog was treated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, nebulization and other supportive care, and was discharged from the hospital after 48 hours of care. It is currently recovering. Tests submitted to IDEXX Laboratories were negative for canine influenza (H3N8) but positive for 2009 H1N1 influenza. The results were confirmed by the Iowa State Laboratory.The press release and the case notes are available at the AVMA link above

[littleone1]

Thank you for keeping us posted on this. Right after I read this, it was also on our local news channel.

Terri