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  Post to Topic     Print   IMPORTANT: H1N1 Influenza Virus Confirmed in Iowa Cat
http://www.aarp.org/community/groups/displayTopic.bt?groupId=1392&topicId=5308522
SomaliCats said:
on November 4, 2009 10:56 PM ET

I checked out both

H1N1 Flu Confirmed in Iowa cat 

and

http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/4552367-iowa-cat-diagnosed-with-h1n1-virus

This is for real

 Betty

 

From: Dr. Jon

Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 1:15 PM

Subject: IMPORTANT: H1N1 Influenza Virus Confirmed in Iowa Cat


 

 
 

Wednesday November 04, 2009    

 

IMPORTANT:  H1N1 Influenza Virus Confirmed in Iowa Cat

I just received a press release from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) confirming the first reported case of the H1N1 flu virus in pets and I wanted you to know about it immediately.

The AVMA just released the following information:

"A 13-year-old cat in Iowa developed signs of a respiratory infection after several people in the household were ill. Preliminary testing was positive for 2009 H1N1 on October 29, and the results were confirmed on November 2. This is the first report of a cat infected with H1N1. The cat has recovered from its illness.

To date, this is the first cat confirmed infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus."

To read the full press release - go to: H1N1 Flu Confirmed in Iowa cat 

Here are some tips to help keep you and your pet healthy:

  • If you are sick, see your doctor.
  • If your pet is showing a problem, see your veterinarian.
  • It is a good idea to wash your hands before and after handling your pets. This is just good common sense.
  • Do not expose your pets to other sick pets.
  • Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and toss your soiled tissues in a covered waste bin.
  • Good preventative measures can help keep you and your pets healthy. That's good advice any time of year, but especially during flu season.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. There are other zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be passed from pets to people).

To see a list of these diseases, go to:
http://www.petplace.com/cats/diseases-you-can-catch-from-your-cat/page1.aspx

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/diseases-you-can-catch-from-your-dog/page1.aspx

P.P.S. Feel free to forward this health alert to a friend. I want all of us to be safe and informed. I'll keep you updated as we learn more. 

 

 

© Copyright 1999-2009Intelligent Content Corp., All Rights Reserved

 


4 posts by 2 users
SomaliCats
Post #4
SomaliCats replied to cydunne's Post #3 :
on November 8, 2009 08:06 PM ET

At cat shows, people and kids come running to the show cages and try to pet the cats without asking permission.  I always brought my own cage that zips open to take the cat out.  People could look but not touch until they used my hand sanitizer.  I showed Flash all over the country for a year, and he never got sick.  Some people were offended that they had to clean their hands, but most understood.  Fortunately, Flash usually stayed on the upper platform of the cage, and wouldn't come down until I opened it and took him out.  The toughest part was when I had him out to groom him for the ring, and people would try to pet him without asking.  To say I'm not showing right now is an understatement! 


cydunne
Post #3
cydunne replied to SomaliCats's Post #2 :
on November 7, 2009 03:15 AM ET

It makes sense to me that cats are getting it from humans - whether due to petting or because someone has sneezed or coughed on or near them because the virus can be air borne, as well as transmitted via hand contact - correct?  Isn't that why everyone is supposed to cough into their arm or elbow & people are wearing masks?  My cat is a loner & not all that sociable, so there are few people she lets pet her anyway, but I will keep an eye out on any contact over the next several months.


SomaliCats
Post #2
SomaliCats replied to cydunne's Post #1 :
on November 6, 2009 08:33 PM ET

I showed my cats for 30 years, but I still keep in touch with the cat fancy.  That's how I found out about it.  Exhibitors are going to start bring hand sanitizer with them to cat shows, and insist that spectators use the sanitizer before petting the cats.  It might be good idea to have people visiting your homes to sanitize their hands before petting your cats.  Sure is cheaper than a vet bill.

Note:  The cats are NOT getting it from going outside -- they're getting it from HUMANS!


cydunne
Post #1
cydunne said:
on November 6, 2009 07:51 PM ET

Thanks for promptly posting confirmation of this news story, as well as links to other sources for helpful information during this time of cold & flu viruses being passed around.  I know I heard the story on the news, but I haven't had the time to check it out further, or to check this website, until today.  Its been a crazy week!!  Thanks, again!