Subject: H1N1 Influenza Infections in Domestic Companion Animals
Date: 11/19/2009; 15:00:53
Message#: 101427-11-19-2009-PHAL
Attachments: None
The Oregon State Public Health Veterinarian has reported that a pet cat has died from presumed 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection. The cat was one of 4 cats in the household and became ill approximately one week after a child in household had a flu-like illness. If this cat is confirmed to have H1N1, it will be the second cat diagnosed with the H1N1 virus in the United States. So far, the 2009 H1N1 virus had been found in pigs, birds, ferrets and cats. Most of the infected animals had been exposed to ill humans and appear to have caught the virus from them. At this time, there is no evidence that the virus has been passing from animal to animal, or that animals have infected humans. The fact that there are very few reports of illness in animals despite the large number of cases in humans and the frequent interaction between animals and people, indicates that animals are not easily infected and do not appear to play a role in the spread of the disease.
Since some viruses can pass between people and animals, this was not an altogether unexpected event. Pet owners are advised to minimize contact between family members with suspected H1N1 and their pets. They should monitor their pets’ health very closely, no matter what type of animal, and visit a veterinarian if their pet shows any signs of illness. Federal and state agriculture and health officials will continue to monitor and study the H1N1 situation in animals.
The NJDA Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory now offers a PCR test for presumptive diagnosis of the novel H1N1 pandemic influenza virus in pets. For further information about testing, please contact Dr. Beatriz Miguel, Director of Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory at 609-292-1270 or via email at beatriz.miguel@ag.state.nj.us.
The American Veterinary Medical Association has updated resources on H1N1 influenza, available at http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp
Please contact Dr. Colin Campbell or Dr. Faye Sorhage of the Department’s Infectious and Zoonotic Disease Program at 609-588-3121 if you have questions about H1N1 influenza or to report a suspected clinical case in a domestic pet. We will utilize the LINCS communications system to keep veterinarians and other animal health groups informed.
This information has been distributed to: DHSS Senior Staff; DHSS Staff; LINCS Coordinator Backups; LINCS Coordinators; LINCS Health Officer Assistants; LINCS Health Officers; Animal Health Organizations
Further distribution of this message should be directed to: Animal Health Professionals; and other partners in your region, as appropriate.
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