A pet cat in Iowa was confirmed to have the H1N1 virus (swine flu) in early November 2009. According to the CDC, this was the first confirmed and documented case of the swine flu in a cat or dog. Two ferrets also tested positive for the swine flu, one in Oregon and one in Nebraska. Both ferrets died.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33622253/ns/health-pet_health/
The family that owned the cat had flu-like symptoms before the cat contracted the swine flu. The cat suffered a loss of appetite, was lethargic and had trouble breathing. After being treated, the cat reportedly recovered.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33622253/ns/health-pet_health/
Swine Flu, Cats and Housepets
News report on the first house cat with swine flu, tips on how to avoid passing the H1N1 virus to house pets.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
H1N1 is a combination of influenza; pig, bird and human infleunza
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Fact:
Swine flu has been confirmed in pigs, ferrets and cats
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Fact:
First case of the swine flu in a domestic cat was reported in November 2009
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Fact:
Minimize the potential transmission of H1N1 to pets by avoid close contact, washing hands before preparing pet food, covering sneezes and coughs
