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Can My Pet Catch Swine Flu?
November 05, 2009 11:38 AM
In short, the answer appears to be yes. In Iowa public health officials say they now have documented a case of a household cat catching swine flu. To date there does not appear to be any case of a dog catching the virus. But there have been reports of other pets – such as ferrets – that have caught it.
ABC’s Senior Health and Medical Editor Dr. Richard Besser spoke about the cat case this morning on Good Morning America. He said it is very likely the cat caught it from the owners. It reminds us that flu virus can cut across species. Besser added -- if you are concerned about your pet be on the lookout it showing signs of being lethargic and having trouble breathing.
The New York Times column “Consults” is all about this today. The director of Medicine from an animal hospital in new York City says that there is also no case of a pet passing H1N1 on to an owner.
Below is a note from the Iowa Department of Public Health regarding the sick cat:
“The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) remind Iowans that in addition to protecting their families, friends and neighbors from the spread of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, it's important to remember to protect family pets from the illness, as well. People who are sick with H1N1 can spread the virus not only to humans, but to some animals.”
November 5, 2009 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (4)
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Just listen for snorting.
Posted by: Huh | Nov 5, 2009 2:53:51 PM
How do you find out that your pet has it? Would you have to go to a vet?
Posted by: Samantha James | Nov 5, 2009 4:00:38 PM
i think the virus is something that everybody & everything should look out for
Posted by: Anoymous | Nov 5, 2009 5:17:40 PM
How come they put Squalene MF-59 in the Swine Flu Vaccine if they know it causes Gulf War Syndrome, Lupus, and a cascade of autoimmune disorders?
Posted by: louie | Nov 9, 2009 10:30:06 AM
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