West Hollywood, California (November 12, 2009) - You feel sick and display symptoms that scream for the nighttime sniffling, sneezing, coughing… Your “common cold” is likely due to the flu, and media reports will tell that the 2009 H1N1 virus, the causative agent of “swine flu,” stands a 95 percent chance of causing your unwell state.
As you open your next box of tissues, you note Fluffy, the feline with whom you spend so much time snuggling, is also sneezing and exhibiting eye discharge; have you infected Fluffy?
You may well have, just as Fluffy could pass the swine flu onto you or your family.
Growing public health concern regarding 2009 H1N1 infection should prompt pet owners to increase their awareness of disease transmission and prevention. Zoonotic organisms like 2009 H1N1 are capable of infecting members of different species. Until recently, 2009 H1N1 was only known to infect birds, pigs, and humans.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has just confirmed the 2009 H1N1 infection of a cat in Iowa and two ferrets, respectively from Nebraska and Oregon.
The unusual nature of the 2009 H1N1 virus creates difficulty in predicting the likelihood of more species becoming infected.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the genetic makeup of the 2009 H1N1 virus includes portions of the North American avian (bird) and swine influenza viruses and also the human and swine influenza viruses originating in both Asia and Europe.
It is speculated that the cat was infected with 2009 H1N1 by household members displaying flu like symptoms. Dr. Ann Garvey, an Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) veterinarian, reports the transmission of 2009 H1N1 virus to a cat “is not completely unexpected, as other strains of influenza have been found in cats in the past.”
Fortunately, the cat and the Oregon ferret have recovered. The Nebraska ferret died, yet it is unknown if other factors contributed to its unfortunate demise.
The 13-year old indoor cat displayed respiratory tract signs, prompting the owner to seek veterinary care at the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
A variety infectious organisms and environmental irritants can also cause respiratory tract signs in your pet, so it’s important to not over react, but waych closely for severity of symptoms.
Mild signs of illness include sneezing, coughing, and nasal or ocular discharge. Severe signs include altered respiratory patterns, such as labored breathing, panting, and wheezing; you should get your pet to a vet ASAP if those symptoms manifest.
Additional symptoms potentially associated with respiratory tract disease which merit concern include lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.
WeHo News. |
The cat’s geriatric immune system may have been a factor contributing to his infection. Chronic illness often seen in adult and elderly cats, such as periodontal disease, can contribute to immune system deficiencies and leave the body more susceptible to infectious disease.
At this time, there have been no reported 2009 H1N1 infections in dogs. In 2004, Canine Influenza was first isolated from racing greyhounds in Florida and has subsequently been reported in virtually every state. That virus is genetically related to Equine Influenza, therefore it is speculated that it jumped species from horses to dogs.
What can you do as a pet owner to deter infectious disease transmission among people and pets?
Practice good sanitary habits by frequently washing your hands and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Additionally, avoid close contact with pets (and people) when you are sick.
If your pet manifests symptoms of illness that concern you, please schedule an examination with your veterinarian, however, every cough or sneeze your cat or dog exhibits should not cause you to break out your biohazard suit.
Patrick Mahaney VMD, CVA founded California Pet Acupuncture & Wellness (CPAW), Inc.
(CPAW), Inc. offers conventional Western and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) on a house call basis.
See him www.californiapaw.com or write him californiapaw@me.com.
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