A Local Dog has Swine Flu

[F, Calla & Luca]

Tonight's TV news reported the first case of swine flu infecting a dog in the US. A dog in New York state got swine flu from his owner. So far there are no known cases of dog to human transmission. Signs of infection include fever, lethargy and cough. These are the same signs as dogs get with canine influenza. Only lab testing can distinguish the two. Cats & ferrets also get swine flu. If you have flu you should try to avoid transmitting it to your pets in the same ways you would try to prevent infection to your human family.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

A Choo

[Barbara Burrows]

From CDC website
2009 H1N1 in Pets
Updated on Dec 22
What animals can be infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus?
In addition to humans, live swine and turkeys, a small number of ferrets (which are highly susceptible to influenza A viruses), domestic cats and dogs have been infected with 2009 H1N1 virus. In addition, 2009 H1N1 virus infection was reported in a cheetah in the United States. CDC is working closely with domestic and international public and animal heath partners to continually monitor reports of 2009 H1N1 in animals and will provide additional information to the public as it becomes available.


How do pets become infected with 2009 H1N1?
All available information suggests that the ferrets and domestic cats infected with 2009 H1N1 infections acquired the virus through close contact with ill humans.

Can I get 2009 H1N1 influenza from my pet?
Available evidence suggests that transmission has been from ill humans to their companion animals. No evidence is available to suggest that animals are infecting humans with 2009 H1N1 virus.

What do I do if I am sick with flu-like symptoms and I have pets?
If you are sick with influenza-like-illness, take the same precautions with your pets that you would to keep your family and friends healthy:

•Cover your coughs and sneezes
•Wash your hands frequently
•Minimize contact with your pets until 24 hours after your fever is gone

What should I do if I suspect my pet has 2009 H1N1 influenza virus?
If members of your household have flu-like symptoms, and your pet exhibits respiratory illness, contact your veterinarian.

Is there a vaccine available for my pet?
Currently, there is not a licensed and approved 2009 H1N1 vaccine for pets. (There is a canine influenza vaccine, which protects dogs from the H3N8 canine flu virus, but it will not protect pets against the 2009 H1N1 virus, and the H3N8 vaccine should not be used in any species other than dogs.)

How serious is this disease in pets?
Pet ferrets with naturally occurring 2009 H1N1 infection have exhibited illness similar in severity to that seen in ferrets exposed to seasonal influenza viruses and to 2009 H1N1 virus in laboratory settings. Clinical signs exhibited have included sneezing, inactivity, and weight loss. Of the reported cases, most of the pets have recovered fully with supportive care, although some have died.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Tell me about the canine flu shot. I had never heard of it until recently and was unaware that dogs could get the flu. Is there also an H1N1 immunizaton for dogs?

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

I'm so glad you posted this. I would've never even thought about giving it to my dog.

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

another excellent reason to get the H1N1 vaccination !

[F, Calla & Luca]

Adina, the NY Times reports that the type of virus was confirmed by two labs inluding Iowa State University. I wonder why they had to send the specimen so far? I gather though that they are fairly confident about distinguishing between the various viral strains.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't know the accuracy or reliability of the testing to distinguish the two types of flu. There have been other animal cases reported abroad, and cases of bird flu transmitted to other animals by people when it was prevalent. These statements are based on the NBC report I saw tonight and a follow up with a vet on their cable channel. I was surprised by the human to dog transmission myself. More to come no doubt.

[Adina P]

Are they SURE? And they've ruled out the canine influenza going around??? How accurate is the testing (high chance of false positives??)

[Karen & Lucy]

I would of never thought that you could pass this on to your dog. Interesting, Thanks