FAQs About H1N1 Influenza Virus and Pets

The H1N1 influenza virus has received publicity worldwide and has researchers, health care officials and health care providers all scrambling for vaccines, treatments and general information about the disease. More recently, it has become evident that this virus can also affect our pets, leaving many pet owners concerned about the health of their dogs, cats and other animals and asking questions about how to deal with the situation.

What is the H1N1 influenza virus? The H1N1 influenza virus is the virus responsible for the flu strain originally known as "swine flu". The virus has become endemic throughout most of the world. Flu-like respiratory symptoms are the most common sign of the disease. However, complications can occur with this influenza strain and it has been deadly for a great number of people worldwide.

What types of pets are susceptible to the H1N1 influenza virus? As of December 1, 2009, the H1N1 influenza virus is known to be able to infect dogs, cats, ferrets, pigs and turkeys. Other species may also be found to susceptible in time. This is an emerging disease with new information becoming available on a regular basis.

What type of symptoms should I watch for in my pet? Flu-like respiratory symptoms are characteristic of H1N1 infection. Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, heavy breathing and/or a nasal discharge may be seen. As with people, it is possible for complications to occur causing the virus to be fatal to pets. For this reason, it is vital that your pet be examined by a veterinarian if any of these symptoms are noted. Because there are numerous other diseases which may cause similar symptoms, diagnostic testing may need to be performed to properly identify the cause of your pet's illness.

Should pet owners consider getting rid of their pets? No, there is no need to panic. We know that the H1N1 virus strain can be passed from people to pets. Most of the ill pets have been infected in this manner. However, we do not know the likelihood of the disease passing from pets to people. Either way, the danger of exposure to the virus from your pet is no greater than the danger of exposure from other people.

How can pet owners protect their pets? Pet owners should monitor their pet's health closely and have their pet examined by a veterinarian if respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, wheezing or a runny nose develop. Adequate hygiene and sanitation, including washing your hands frequently and covering your cough, will help protect your pet in the same way it helps protect other people. If possible, avoid contact between your pet and sick people, especially those with flu-like symptoms.

Is it safe to eat pork or poultry since these species have been found infected with H1N1? Yes, there is no reason to believe that there is any danger from eating pork or poultry which is properly prepared and thoroughly cooked. Proper preparation of the food and hygienic food handling techniques remain important, as always, to prevent food-borne disease of any type.

I've heard some wild animals may be infected. Is it safe to visit zoos or wildlife parks? There is a report of a cheetah which may have been infected with the H1N1 virus. However, it is safe to visit zoos and wildlife parks.

What else is known about the H1N1 virus? The H1N1 virus was originally dubbed "swine flu" because of its resemblance to the influenza virus that infects pigs. It also bears similarities to other strains of influenza viruses which infect people and avian species. However, it is distinctly different than other strains of virus and is unique.

Why is it so worrisome that this virus can infect so many different animal species? Researchers and health officials are concerned that the ability to infect many different species will give this strain of influenza virus access to an extremely wide gene pool which could increase its ability to mutate into a much more virulent strain of influenza, potentially becoming more deadly than it is currently. Influenza viruses in general are well-known for their ability to mutate easily and quickly.

Lorie Huston is a pet health and pet care expert and has been a practicing veterinarian since 1986. She is the feature writer for pet care at Suite101.com and is the National Pet Health Examiner at Examiner.com. Her blog, the Pet Health Care Gazette, informs pet owners about numerous pet health care topics.