WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Cat gets the H1N1 virus, what's the risk to your pet
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A cat in Iowa has tested positive for the H1N1 virus. It is the first cat to be diagnosed with this strain of the flu. It's believed the cat likely caught the swine flu from its owners.
This isn't the first pet to contract the swine flu. In October, a ferret tested positive after it's owner had recently been ill with the flu symptoms.
The H1N1 virus has also been confirmed in horses, birds, and pigs.
Now the American Veterinary Medical Association is encouraging pet owners to watch their pet's health closely, no matter the animal.
Veterinarian Matthew McCormick doesn't think pet owners should be alarmed, because it's very unusual for the virus to be passed to a cat.
"Many, many people in the U.S. have gotten H1N1 and one cat, that's just not anywhere near a rate to worry about," said McCormick, a veterinarian with Companion Animal Clinic.
He also points out the cat in Iowa only had a mild illness.
"Even if we are seeing a cat that had H1N1 it would probably would never be sick enough for us to really worry about what it has, " said McCormick.
It's so unusual for cats to the get the flu, veterinarians aren't even sure of the symptoms.
The cat in Iowa was lethargic and not eating.
"They could be very mild signs that you're never going to notice or they could be upper respiratory stuff, fever, that kind of thing. We don't know," said McCormick.
The vet recommends protecting your pet like you would any other member of your family.
"Just wash your hands. Don't sneeze on anybody. Probably try to keep the cat off the bed if you think you have the flu... so they're not sleeping on the pillow right next to you," said McCormick.
You can also protect your pet by getting vaccinated to reduce your risk of getting sick.
The West Piedmont Health District is holding a free vaccination clinic on November 9th at the National Guard Armory in Martinsville at 315 Commonwealth Blvd..
The clinic will operate in three shifts; from 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4 p.m., and 5 to 8 p.m. Each time slot will have vaccine available.
The clinic will focus on vaccinating those at highest risk for serious complications from the H1N1 virus.
These key populations include:
