Recent tests show cats can have H1N1

Q: Can my pets be infected with H1N1?

A: Regular readers of this column may recognize that this question was asked several months ago as part of a series of questions on H1N1, or “swine flu.” However, the answer to the question has changed in the past month.

Until recently, there was no evidence that pet species could be affected by the H1N1 virus. (Recent canine influenza columns have been discussing a different strain, H3N8. H1N1 has not been diagnosed in dogs.) However, this past Wednesday the Iowa State Veterinarian and the Iowa Department of Health announced that a pet cat was confirmed to be infected with the H1N1 virus. This follows a U.S. Department of Agriculture laboratory confirmation of an H1N1 infection in a pet ferret from Oregon on Oct. 9.

Both the cat and the ferret lived in homes where humans had contracted the H1N1 virus and spread it to the pets. All of the people and pets recovered fully from infection.

As this column is written, there have still been no confirmed cases of H1N1 in pot-bellied pigs. However the first domestic case of a pig infected with H1N1 was confirmed by the USDA on Oct.19.

The sample was taken from a pig at the Minnesota State Fair where it was likely exposed to people with the virus.

There have also been no documented cases of pet birds acquiring the virus. However, birds are particularly susceptible to influenza viruses. In addition, a Canadian turkey flock was diagnosed with the virus last month. This indicates at least certain birds can be infected with H1N1.

The susceptibility of pets to the H1N1 virus appears to be low. The Virginia Department of Health has been reporting for several weeks that in many areas up to 14 percent of emergency and urgent care center visits have been due to flu-like symptoms. Most of these cases have been H1N1. However, no pets in Virginia have been diagnosed with the virus. My office has not seen a single suspected case. If pets were particularly susceptible, we would expect infection rates to mirror the human population.

There has not been a documented case of a pet passing the virus to a person. So far, it has been the other way around. At this point, it would be wise limit pet contact with infected people or individuals who may have been recently exposed to the H1N1 virus. House pets that do not come into contact with people or animals outside your family are unlikely to contract the virus unless you are infected first.

The incubation period in people is generally two to four days from exposure to symptoms, although up to seven days is possible. People can infect others during this incubation period. The incubation period in pets is unknown at this time. There is no approved companion animal vaccine for H1N1.

If a pet is suspected to have come into direct contact with an infected individual, it would be wise to limit that pet’s exposure to high risk groups including pregnant women, young children, and immune compromised individuals for up to a week after the exposure. Ideally, people in these risk groups should already be vaccinated for H1N1. For information on human H1N1 infections, including the list of people at higher risk for complications, visit cdc.gov/h1n1flu and vdh.virginia.gov.

In this case, looking out for your own health will help protect your pets, too. (Wash your hands frequently!) Since healthy pets are less likely to contract disease, you can also help your pets by providing appropriate preventive care and high quality nutrition. Keeping your pets free of disease helps protect your whole family.

Veterinarians are aware of the possible transmission of H1N1 from people to ferrets and cats. We are on the lookout for possible cases in other species as well. You should contact your family veterinarian anytime you are concerned about the health of any pet.

As additional information becomes available, this column will update readers on the implications of H1N1 in various animal species. In addition, the American Veterinary Medical Association is providing up to date information and answers to frequently asked questions on their web page, avma.org.

Dr. Watts is a companion animal general practitioner and owner of Clevengers Corner Veterinary Care. He can be reached through ClevengersCorner.com or by calling 428-1000.