I have to say when I first saw this I thought it was a hoax. The idea that a cat or other animal could catch the flu from a sick person seems a little out there, but it is apparently true.
The Iowa Department of Public Health reported last week that a cat had gotten the H1N1 virus from its owner:
" 'Two of the three members of the family that owns the pet had suffered from influenza-like illness before the cat became ill,' said IDPH Public Health Veterinarian, Dr. Ann Garvey. 'This is not completely unexpected, as other strains of influenza have been found in cats in the past.' Both the cat and its owners have recovered from their illnesses.
"People can keep their pets healthy by washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and minimizing contact with their pets while ill with influenza-like symptoms. If your pet exhibits signs of a respiratory illness, contact your veterinarian.
" 'Indoor pets that live in close proximity to someone who has been sick are at risk and it is wise to monitor their health to ensure they aren't showing signs of illness,' said Dr. David Schmitt, State Veterinarian for Iowa."
Reuters wrote about other animals that have apparently gotten the disease, saying it's unclear how pets get infected:
"Two pet ferrets also caught flu, again apparently from their owners, and several herds of pigs around the world have been reported infected.
"Animals have long been known to be a source of new infections. Influenza itself originates in birds, possibly domestic ducks. AIDS appears to have come from chimpanzees and possibly gorillas. Ebola virus comes from bats while rabies is spread by many different species.
"And this strain of H1N1 very likely originated in pigs although it is now infecting almost exclusively humans.
"But with flu, at least, it can go the other way, too.
'"This is just another illustration of why influenza viruses are so tricky and frustrating and interesting at the same time, is this ability to occasionally jump species," said Dr. Carolyn Bridges of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
The American Veterinary Medical Association provided a related Q&A:
"Q: I've heard about ferrets and a cat getting the 2009 H1N1 virus. Should I get rid of my ferret or cat so my family is protected?
"A: Certainly not. This is not cause for panic and extreme measures. You are much more likely to catch the flu (any type of flu, including the 2009 H1N1 flu) from an infected person than you are from an animal. So far, all of the pets infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus became infected from being around their ill owners. The main lesson here is that if you're feeling ill and have flu-like symptoms, you should probably limit your contact with your pets (and other people, for that matter) until you are feeling better. As always, if your pet is showing signs of illness, it should be examined by a veterinarian.
"Q: What symptoms would I see in my dog or cat if it developed H1N1?
"A: So far, there haven't been any reports of dogs infected with the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. Based on what's been reported, ferrets and one cat -- and probably dogs, if they can become infected with the virus -- have shown signs of respiratory illness. These signs can include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, runny nose and/or eyes, sneezing, coughing, or changes in breathing (including difficulty breathing).
"Keep in mind that dogs currently have their own flu virus, the H3N8 influenza (canine influenza) virus, going around. So far, this flu virus has only been spread from dog to dog. Dogs infected with the canine influenza virus show the same symptoms as dogs with kennel cough -- fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, coughing, and maybe a runny nose. For more in-depth information on canine influenza, view our canine influenza backgrounder."
