H1N1 in pets!

[Nirvana]

I went to the Chihuahua Club of America National Specialty the first week in Oct. People from all over the country attend and I was sure it would be a hot bed of H1N1 infection and I was right! After I got home from that weekend I was sick. Many people were sick and the majority that got tested were positive for H1N1. I got well in 3 days. Then I swear my little two lb dog got this. My vet thought yah right!

Now I know that is what she had and I called the Iowa health Dept and they told me any of your pets can get this if they are in close proximity to someone that is sick. My vet acted like I was a bit out there when I told them about Portia when she was sick, but I have sent them this info and told them to call Iowa as they instructed me to say if they had any questions.

Your dogs can get this too! I treated Portia with antibiotics aspirin and chicken broth she was fine in 3 days too.
Call this number they will tell you 1-800-447-1985 its possible for your pets[dogs cats whatever] to get this virus.


The press release from Iowa and the AVMA



DES MOINES -- The Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa
Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship remind Iowans that in
addition to protecting their 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.



The departments are sharing this message following the confirmation of
a case of H1N1 in an Iowa cat. The 13-year-old indoor cat in Iowa was
brought to the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State
University's College of Veterinary Medicine, where it tested positive
for the H1N1 virus. The diagnosis is the culmination of collaborative
efforts between IDPH, Iowa State University College of Veterinary
Medicine, Center for Advanced Host Defenses, Immunobiotics and
Translational Comparative Medicine, USDA, and IDALS Animal Industry
Bureau.



"Two of the three members of the family that owns the pet had suffered
from influenza-like illness before the cat became ill," said IDPH
Public Health Veterinarian, Dr. Ann Garvey. "This is not completely
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.



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. If your pet exhibits signs of a respiratory
illness, contact your veterinarian.



"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," said Dr. David Schmitt, state
veterinarian for Iowa.



For more information about H1N1, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/h1n1/ or
call the Iowa Influenza Hotline at 1-800-447-1985.


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