AVMA Press Release: H1N1 jumps species to Iowa cat

[Holly_Hobby]

PRESS RELEASE


FOR MORE INFORMATION

Michael San Filippo
Phone: [phone]
Cell: 847-732-6194
e-mail: [e-mail]


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 4, 2009


H1N1 flu confirmed in Iowa cat

Schaumburg, IL

— A cat in Iowa has tested positive for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, state officials confirmed this morning, marking the first time a cat has been diagnosed with this strain of influenza.

The cat, which has recovered, is believed to have caught the virus from someone in the household who was sick with H1N1. There are no indications that the cat passed the virus on to any other animals or people.

Prior to this diagnosis, the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus had been found in humans, pigs, birds and ferrets.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) are reminding pet owners that some viruses can pass between people and animals, so this was not an altogether unexpected event. Pet owners should monitor their pets' health very closely, no matter what type of animal, and visit a veterinarian if there are any signs of illness.

The AVMA is actively tracking all instances of H1N1 in animals and posting updates on our Web site at http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus

For more information, contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA media relations assistant, at 847-285-6687 (office), 847-732-6194 (cell), or [e-mail].

http://www.avma.org/press/releases/091104_H1N1_Iowa_cat_pf.asp

[Chemisse]

1. That would really suck if your dog brought home the flu - nt

[ddeclue]

2. What happens to the cat if it gets the H1N1...

I would assume that some animals can carry the virus with no ill effects at all and that the symptoms would vary by species.

[FarCenter]

3. The cat seems to have recovered

lives--;

[REP]

4. Crap!

Yet another reason to get the shot.

[itsrobert]

5. Kill all cats immediately

We can't take the chance. PANIC! PANIC! PANIC! DANGER! DANGER! :sarcasm:

[HughMoran]

6. Just get me the shot so my H1N1 coworkers don't make me sick

Glad the kitty is OK :)

[d_b]

7. holy sh1t

[Holly_Hobby]

8. Kick n/t