The H1N1 influenza virus has received publicity worldwide
and has researchers, health care officials and health care
providers all scrambling for vaccines, treatments and
general information about the disease. More recently, it
has become evident that this virus can also affect our
pets, leaving many pet owners concerned about the health of
their dogs, cats and other animals and asking questions
about how to deal with the situation.
What is the H1N1 influenza virus? The H1N1 influenza virus
is the virus responsible for the flu strain originally
known as "swine flu". The infection has been diagnosed
throughout the world. Flu-like respiratory symptoms are the
most common sign of the disease. However, complications can
occur with this influenza strain and it has been deadly for
a great number of people worldwide.
Which species of pets can become infected with the H1N1
virus? As of December 1, 2009, the H1N1 influenza virus is
known to be able to infect dogs, cats, ferrets, pigs and
turkeys. Other species may also be found to susceptible in
time. This is an emerging disease with new information
becoming available on a regular basis.
What type of symptoms should I watch for in my pet?
Flu-like respiratory symptoms are characteristic of H1N1
infection. Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, heavy breathing
and/or a nasal discharge may be seen. As with people, it is
possible for complications to occur causing the virus to be
fatal to pets. For this reason, it is vital that your pet
be examined by a veterinarian if any of these symptoms are
noted. Because there are numerous other diseases which may
cause similar symptoms, diagnostic testing may need to be
performed to properly identify the cause of your pet's
illness.
Should pet owners consider getting rid of their pets? No,
there is no need to panic. It is obvious that the H1N1
strain of virus can be passed from people to pets.
Infections have occurred in this manner for most if not all
of the sick pets. However, we do not know whether the virus
can be passed from pets to people or how likely this is to
occur. Either way, the danger of exposure to the virus from
your pet is no greater than the danger of exposure from
other people.
How can pet owners protect their pets? Pet owners should
monitor their pet's health closely and have their pet
examined by a veterinarian if respiratory symptoms such as
coughing, sneezing, wheezing or a runny nose develop.
Adequate hygiene and sanitation, including washing your
hands frequently and covering your cough, will help protect
your pet in the same way it helps protect other people. If
possible, avoid contact between your pet and sick people,
especially those with flu-like symptoms.
Is it safe to eat pork or poultry since these species have
been found infected with H1N1? Yes, there is no reason to
believe that there is any danger from eating pork or
poultry which is properly prepared and thoroughly cooked.
Proper preparation of the food and hygienic food handling
techniques remain important, as always, to prevent
food-borne disease of any type.
I've heard some wild animals may be infected. Is it safe to
visit zoos or wildlife parks? There is a report of a
cheetah which may have been infected with the H1N1 virus.
However, there is no need to avoid visiting wildlife parks
or zoos.
What else is known about the H1N1 virus? The H1N1 virus was
originally dubbed "swine flu" because of its resemblance to
the influenza virus that infects pigs. It also bears
similarities to other strains of influenza viruses which
infect people and avian species. However, it is distinctly
different than other strains of virus and is unique.
Why is it so worrisome that this virus can infect so many
different animal species? Researchers and health officials
are concerned that the ability to infect many different
species will give this strain of influenza virus access to
an extremely wide gene pool which could increase its
ability to mutate into a much more virulent strain of
influenza, potentially becoming more deadly than it is
currently. Influenza viruses in general are well-known for
their ability to mutate easily and quickly.
About the Author:
Lorie Huston is a pet health and pet care expert and has
been a practicing veterinarian since 1986. She is the
feature writer for pet care at Suite101.com and is the
National Pet Health Examiner at Examiner.com. Her blog, the
Pet Health Care Gazette, can be found at
http://www.pet-
