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The H1N1 virus has been confirmed in a pet cat in the U.S.  Should pet owners worry about their pets catching the H1N1 virus? 

The H1N1 virus or Swine flu has been confirmed in a pet cat in Iowa.  “The diagnosis is the culmination of collaborative efforts between IDPH (Iowa Department of Public Health), Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Center for Advanced Host Defenses, Immunobiotics and Translational Comparative Medicine, USDA, and IDALS Animal Industry Bureau.” http://news.discovery.com/animals/cat-tests-positive-for-swine-flu.html  Two ‘people’ family members had flu like symptoms before the cat became ill.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that some pigs, turkeys and household pets have become infected with the H1N1 flu, however the virus does not appear to be spreading quickly among animals.  http://www.reuters.com/article/asiaCrisis/idUSL6704217
Alfonso Torres, former chief veterinary officer of the U.S. now associate dean for public policy at Cornell University Vet School, told Discovery News that animals and humans living together in close proximity is only one probable factor that could lead to such outbreaks.  “Increased travel, more pets, climate change and better diagnostic techniques could also help to explain the rash of interspecies illness.”  http://news.discovery.com/animals/swine-flu-h1n1-pets.html

The American Veterinary Medical Association website has recently provided a pet owner section and veterinarian resources devoted specifically to the H1N1 virus.  The AVMA website (pet owner page) states that if pets become infected with the virus, signs include respiratory illness, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, runny nose and/or eyes, sneezing, coughing, or changes in breathing (including difficulty breathing).  http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/new_flu_virus_faq_pet_owners.asp  More AVMA resources can be found here: http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/

The AVMA recommends pet owners take the same precautions with their pets as they would with any other member of the family; “follow good hygiene when you come in contact with them, and limit their exposure to ill family members.” 

Around my house, no one has or will take the H1N1 vaccine.  About the only change we have done is to increase our daily probiotics a bit.  Probiotics are live ‘friendly’ bacteria that help to keep the immune system strong.  My pets have a guaranteed live bacteria in their food (if it is not a ‘live’ bacteria it is basically useless) and I also add another probiotic to one meal a day.  As well, we walk the dogs daily (30 to 45 minutes a day) and the new kitten chases the older cat all over the house each day; so everyone is active helping to improve our immunity.

If your pet’s food does not contain a probiotic – guaranteed to be a live probiotic – I would suggest adding one to their diet (add it to your diet too!).  As always, be very aware of what normal behavior is for your pet – activity, eating, and elimination.  Any variance from normal should be closely watched.  A shift from normal behavior can alert you to so many health issues from a flu to even a possible bad pet food. 

Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,

Susan Thixton
Truth about Pet Food
Petsumer Report
www.TruthaboutPetFood.com

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