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First cat to be infected with H1N1 influenza virus, swine flu
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For the first time, a cat has been diagnosed with having become infected with the H1N1, or swine flu, virus. The cat was 13 year old and lived indoors with a family in Iowa, reports the AVMA. When the cat began showing signs of a respiratory infection, the cat was tested and found positive for swine flu.
“Two of the three members of the family that owns the pet had suffered from influenza-like illness before the cat became ill,” said Dr. Ann Garvey, the Iowa Department of Public Health Veterinarian. “This is not completely unexpected, as other strains of influenza have been found in cats in the past.”
The family members most likely were infected with H1N1 and passed it along to their pet cat, Dr. Garvey tells Pet News Examiner. "It's important to remember that the cat did not pass the H1N1 virus to the humans in the household. It was the family members who made their cat ill."
Luckily, both the cat and humans living in the household have recovered.
Dr. Garvey advises individuals feeling flu-like symptoms to take the same common sense precautions when they are around their pets, as well as other people. "Wash your hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and minimize contact with your pets while you're sick with influenza-like symptoms."
For more information: New York Times
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