Swine Flu has jumped species (feline) in the US

Re: Swine Flu has jumped species (feline) in the US

Anonymous — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:08:59 GMT

Just an update FABcats has now made a statement if anyone is interested or has a worried client. FAB is an excellent trusted website for information. http://www.fabcats.org/news/swine_flu.php

cats and swine flu

At the beginning of November a sick, 13-year old cat in Iowa, USA was diagnosed with the H1N1 'swine flu' influenza virus. He had become lethargic, lost his appetite and had respiratory distress and diarrhoea. He was treated with antibiotics and fluids and recovered. This is the first report that cats can become infected with the swine flu virus.

It is very likely that the cat caught the virus from humans. Two of the three people who lived with the cat had flu-like symptoms before the cat became ill. Although H1N1 has not been confirmed as the cause of their illness, there is strong circumstantial evidence that they were the source of the infection and the virus was transmitted from them to the cat rather than the other way round, as the cat did not go outdoors.

There appears to be a small risk of animals catching the current swine flu virus from humans. Pigs, turkeys and pet ferrets have been diagnosed with the virus. Previously cats have died from eating birds infected with the earlier avian flu H5N1 virus.

However, there is no evidence yet that influenza viruses spread between cats or from cats to humans.

To reduce the risk of pet cats becoming infected from people with flu, the same precautions should be taken that apply to preventing human-to-human spread of the virus. Close contact with cats should be avoided, particularly face to face contact. Coughs and sneezes should be contained in paper tissues which should then be discarded hygienically. Hands should be washed very carefully before handling pets.

Cats in households in which people have symptoms of flu should be monitored carefully. If cats show signs of illness, owners should seek advice immediately from their veterinary surgeon.

Re: Swine Flu has jumped species (feline) in the US

Sandra Taylor RVN, MBVNA — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:15:12 GMT

[quote user="StephB"]

[quote user="STRVN"]

[quote user="StephB"]

ok thanks for sharing! i'm only the messenger.

[/quote]

Not a problem, and thankyou for sharing hopefully us VN's will be able to see the woods for the trees

[/quote]

I wouldn't have imagined it any other way! could prove useful if you have some idiot client coming in a panic ;)

[/quote]

yup and we know there are so many of those

Re: Swine Flu has jumped species (feline) in the US

Anonymous — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:58:24 GMT

[quote user="STRVN"]

[quote user="StephB"]

ok thanks for sharing! i'm only the messenger.

[/quote]

Not a problem, and thankyou for sharing hopefully us VN's will be able to see the woods for the trees

[/quote]

I wouldn't have imagined it any other way! could prove useful if you have some idiot client coming in a panic ;)

Re: Swine Flu has jumped species (feline) in the US

Sandra Taylor RVN, MBVNA — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:45:35 GMT

[quote user="StephB"]

ok thanks for sharing! i'm only the messenger.

[/quote]

Not a problem, and thankyou for sharing hopefully us VN's will be able to see the woods for the trees

Re: Swine Flu has jumped species (feline) in the US

Anonymous — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:43:58 GMT

ok thanks for sharing! i'm only the messenger.

Re: Swine Flu has jumped species (feline) in the US

Sandra Taylor RVN, MBVNA — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:07:15 GMT

Again I agree, but I personally will read things properly and actually take what is said on board, and not presume something is true because it is written! (is that not what slightly below average intelligent people do? and who the media hopes will kick up a fuss? believe everything they read??...... store it yes by all means and be aware,take it as read or presume it may come to pass the choice is anyones....... as I said I await confirmation, I dont follow tittle tattle, unless said tittle tattle comes to pass then I will bow head gracefully

Re: Swine Flu has jumped species (feline) in the US

Anonymous — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:54:42 GMT

meh to each their own. some people, like myself, prefer knowing about the possiblites of things. helps them mentally prepare for future events that could or couldn't happen. I'd rather know there might be a storm coming then not have a clue when it tears my house apart and the neighbors moved out months before because of speculation....thought it's still the weather and it might pass or dissipate before it ever gets to me. Who am I to know, but i still like watching the weather channel! It's interesting and educational.

As it stands there is no vaccine for swine flu for cats and dogs, it would be impossible with out mutation of the virus to create an anti-virus. But pets being vaccinated for the normal flu will boost their immunity and put them at less risk of infection priming their systems.

Re: Swine Flu has jumped species (feline) in the US

Sandra Taylor RVN, MBVNA — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:35:20 GMT

I agree, but seeing as its only highly suspected......... why not wait until it's confirmed? and what vaccine is available for swine flu is dogs/cats?

Re: Swine Flu has jumped species (feline) in the US

Anonymous — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:32:55 GMT

There are so many people out there that are very uneducated and wouldn't have even fathomed it even being possible. It's good to get people thinking about it and being cautious I think. If anything it might get some people who wouldn't normally vaccinate their animals out and getting into the vets for information and vaccinations.

Re: Swine Flu has jumped species (feline) in the US

Sandra Taylor RVN, MBVNA — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:25:13 GMT

"It's well documented in influenza in general, but this is the first Highly suspected case of H1N1 going from humans into a cat," he said. I will read and digest, but particularly take this piece on board.

I hate scare mongering, especially from the media. I will await and see