H1N1 Flu Virus Infections in Cats and Ferrets

Some of you have heard on the news that some cats and some ferrets have been infected with H1N1 virus.  So far, it appears that they have gotten the virus from their families and they have not spread the virus to anyone else.  I've been getting alerts in my email from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) about the cases that have been reported so far.  Here's the link to the public health information page that I am reading.

AVMA News Releases

These are the most important points to remember, as recommended by AVMA:

    *  This is not cause for panic, but underscores the importance of taking pets to a veterinarian if they are showing signs of illness.  This is especially important if someone in the household has recently been ill with flu-like symptoms.
    * Ferret and cat owners should remain vigilant.
    * To date, all of the sick pets became ill after a person in the household was ill with flu-like symptoms.  There is no evidence to suggest that pets have or will spread the virus to humans or other animals.
    * Proper hygiene and sanitation measures should be followed to limit the spread of the influenza virus.

If you're worried about your pet, please call us.

Dr. Wood