| 2009 H1N1 flu update |
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| 2009 H1N1 in pets |
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In addition to protecting families, friends and neighbors from the spread of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, it's important to remember to protect family pets from the illness, as well. People who are sick with H1N1 can spread the virus not only to humans, but to some animals.
A 13-year-old indoor cat in Iowa has tested positive for the 2009 H1N1 virus.
It seems that members of the family that owns the pet had suffered from influenza-like illness before the cat became ill. This is not 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.
There was a similar pet case last month that involved a ferret. The pet ferret became ill after several family members suffered 2009 H1N1 infections. The family and the ferret have recovered.
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. 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.
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| 2009 H1N1 in pigs |
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The 2009 H1N1 virus that is circulating among humans has now been detected in pigs in the U.S. The virus was detected in pigs being exhibited in the Minnesota State Fair. They were not sick. They were sampled as part of a research project and had been exposed to students who had suffered 2009 HIN1 flu just days before the pigs were sampled. Keeping this new human strain from entering and spreading among pig herds is important to animal health and public health, including the health of swine workers.
Interspecies flu infections between people and pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to pigs, such as in pig production barns. Minimizing the transmission of flu viruses between people and pigs is in the best interest for public health and animal health.
Typically illness is mild and a combination of signs will occur together in infected pigs or pets. Signs of flu in cats, ferrets or pigs can include any of the following:
- lethargy, lack of alertness
- going off feed (poor appetite)
- discharge from the nose or eyes, eye redness or inflammation
If your pets or pigs exhibit signs of a respiratory illness, contact your veterinarian.
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| Key points for swine owners |
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Oregon Department of Agriculture presents the following points of information for swine owners.
Edited from American Association of Swine Veterinarians Web page, updated 4/29/09.
Recommendation for swine owners to increase their disease awareness and biosecurity safeguards to prevent the introduction of this virus into swine herds.
- Prohibit unnecessary visitors especially international visitors.
- Employees or family members with flu-like symptoms should not be allowed to contact pigs and should be encouraged to visit their family physicians.
- Change into farm-specific clothes and shoes before entering swine facilities.
- Ensure adequate ventilation in facilities to minimize re-circulation of air inside animal housing facilities.
- Consider vaccinating pigs against the influenza virus. Vaccination of pigs may reduce the levels of virus shed by infected animals.
- Contact your veterinarian if swine exhibit flu-like or respiratory illness, especially if the onset or presentation of the illness is unusual.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is ready to assist with on-farm investigations, if pigs are present where a known human case has occurred. ODA will also assist with investigations with any human cases that may have links to swine in Oregon. Please call the Animal Health and Identification Division in Salem at (503) 986-4680.
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