Salwan: Swine flu: The saga continues

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Nov 10, 2009 | by Raj Salwan

JUST WHEN YOU thought things couldn't get worse with swine flu (H1N1), they do.

Not only are we unable to meet the vaccination needs of the population, but we also are unable to cope with the escalating number of people afflicted with this illness.

I am hearing about an ever-increasing number of people becoming sick with swine flu in the Bay Area.

I know of at least one friend who is pregnant and not able to get the flu vaccine because of shortages. I have a colleague whose kids are suffering from swine flu.

To make matters worse, pets have been added to the list of animals that can get swine flu. You can transmit swine flu to your pets if you are ill.

Until recently, experts believed that, with the exception of birds and pet pigs, our pets were not susceptible to this virus. In fact, we don't generally worry about our pets with any of the common seasonal flu strains. H1N1 is a combination of influenza strains; one part originated in pigs, and another in birds.

Last week, the first transmission of swine flu from humans to pets was confirmed.

A 13-year-old indoor cat tested positive for H1N1 at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Before this feline was diagnosed with swine flu, the influenza virus had been found only in humans, birds, pigs and ferrets.

The cat had symptoms of lethargy, difficulty breathing and loss of appetite.

"We've known certainly it's possible this could happen," said Tom Skinner, a spokesman for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. "This may be the first instance where we have documentation that transmission occurred involving cats or dogs."

Swine flu also has been confirmed in two pet ferrets in Oregon and Nebraska. Apparently, ferrets are especially vulnerable to human influenza virus.

To date, no transmission of swine flu has occurred in dogs. However, I believe it is just a matter of time before dogs are affected.

Currently, treatments for pets that contract H1N1 are supportive care and antibiotics. It appears this flu causes a mild illness in pets. The swine flu in pets consist of flulike symptoms and signs of respiratory illness.

At this time, there is not an H1N1 vaccine that has been approved for pets.

Here are some recommendations to prevent transmission to pets if you have swine flu:

-- Veterinarians and public health experts continue to stress the importance of hand washing and remaining at home if you are sick.

-- Sick people should cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and minimize contact with their pets while ill with influenza-type symptoms.

-- Though pets bring us lots of comfort, it is best to avoid sleeping or snuggling with your pets if you are ill.

Veterinarians are aware of the possible transmission of H1N1 to cats and ferrets. Your local animal hospital is best suited to care for your pet and prevent diseases, so don't be afraid to take your pet to the veterinarian if you are concerned.

Raj Salwan, a second-generation veterinarian, has been around veterinary medicine for more than 21 years. Reach him at drsalwan@aol.com or www.americananimalcare.com.