H1N1 FLU FOUND IN CAT, FERRET AND OTHER ANIMALS

November 5, 2009 – The first known case of H1N1 (swine flu) in a cat has been diagnosed in an Iowa housecat, the New York Times reports (http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/the-cat-who-got-swine-flu/ ) Since the cat never goes outdoors and other family members had flu-like symptoms previously, it is believed likely that the virus was transmitted from human to cat. Family members are undergoing tests to confirm if they had swine flu.

The cat, the first domestic pet known to have contracted the disease, became lethargic, stopped eating, drinking and grooming, and showed signs of respiratory distress by resting on its haunches instead of on its side. Following IV fluids for hydration and antibiotics to prevent secondary infection, the orange tabby in Iowa (whose owners asked to remain anonymous) is recovering.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has information on animals confirmed to have the H1N1 virus, which has also recently been confirmed in a ferret, pigs, and turkeys. http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/ . In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on November 2 began positing information on animals with H1N1, though the page has not yet been updated to include the case just diagnosed in a cat: http://www.usda.gov/documents/FINAL_RESULTS_2009_PANDEMIC_H1N1_INFLUENZA...