H1N1 Influenza Virus and Pets
By Karen “Doc” Halligan
Director of Veterinary Services
spcaLA

What is the latest information about the H1N1 influenza virus in animals?   Three cats have tested positive for the H1N1 influenza virus. All three cats contracted the virus from its owners who were also ill from the H1N1 influenza virus. Two of the cats survived but one from Oregon subsequently died from pneumonia. The Oregon cat was part of a household containing four cats.  The deceased cat presented to the veterinarian after developing labored breathing and was subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia.  The three surviving cats in the Oregon household showed milder clinical signs of upper respiratory tract infection, such as sneezing and coughing and did not test positive for H1N1.

What other types of animals can catch the H1N1 influenza virus? The H1N1 influenza virus has been reported in pigs in 10 countries, turkeys in Canada and Chile, and ferrets in Oregon and Nebraska.  In most cases, the infection appeared to cause mild signs. 

Is canine influenza similar to the H1N1 influenza virus?   No. There is a separate strain of influenza that dogs can catch from other dogs called Canine Influenza H3N8.  People cannot catch the Canine H3N8 Influenza virus and there is a vaccine that is available for dogs.

Can my pet be vaccinated against H1N1?  No. There is no vaccine created for pets against this virus.  Human vaccines cannot safely be used on pets.

What symptoms would I see in my cat if it developed H1N1 influenza infection? 
Symptoms are expected to be mild and include loss of appetite, fever, lethargy, sneezing, nasal discharge and coughing.  Please note that there are many more common infections that can cause these same symptoms in cats and other pets.

Can I catch H1N1 influenza from my pet?  At the moment there are no reports of any person contracting the H1N1 virus from a pet.  Nevertheless, pet owners should take simple precautions to prevent transmission of the virus, especially if your pet is ill.  See below.

Can animals catch this virus from each other?  Currently, there are no reports of this virus spreading from pet to pet.  However, pet owners should follow standard techniques to prevent the spread of any germs between pets. See below.

How can I protect my pets and myself against H1N1?  Good hygiene and sanitation help protect the whole family. Here’s how to protect your two and four legged family members: 

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a sturdy tissue or cough/sneeze into your elbow instead of your hand
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing, before or after touching your face, or before eating
• Wash your hands before and after handling your pet or your pet's food bowl, water bowl, bedding, or other supplies
• Keep sick pets in a separate area, away from healthy pets
• Do not allow your pet to sit or sleep close to your face, especially if you or your pet are ill
• Contact your veterinarian or veterinary clinic if your pet becomes ill.
• Keep your pet's bedding, food and water bowls clean
• Keep your pet up-to-date on vaccinations and other preventative care recommended by your veterinarian