H1N1 virus and domesticated animals - Page 1

[1]
Date: Wed 4 Nov 2009
Source: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) News, press release
[edited]
<http://www.avma.org/press/releases/091104_H1N1_Iowa_cat.asp>


H1N1 flu confirmed in Iowa cat
------------------------------
A cat in Iowa has tested positive for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, state
officials confirmed this morning [4 Nov 2009], marking the 1st time a cat
has been diagnosed with this strain of influenza.

The cat, which has recovered, is believed to have caught the virus from
someone in the household who was sick with H1N1. There are no indications
that the cat passed the virus on to any other animals or people.

Prior to this diagnosis, the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus had been found in
humans, pigs, birds, and ferrets.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American
Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) are reminding pet owners that
some viruses can pass between people and animals, so this was not an
altogether unexpected event. Pet owners should monitor their pets' health
very closely, no matter what type of animal, and visit a veterinarian if
there are any signs of illness.

The AVMA is actively tracking all instances of H1N1 in animals and posting
updates on our website at
<http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus>. For more
information, contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA media relations assistant,
at 847-285-6687 (office), 847-732-6194 (cell), or <msanfilippo@avma.org>.

[2]
Date: Wed 4 Nov 2009
Source: Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) News [edited]
<http://www.idph.state.ia.us/IdphNews/Reader.aspx?id=8FBE90B3-4667-4960-9AF5-1B9B477A3805>


Protecting pets from illness
----------------------------
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Iowa Department of
Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) 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. People who are sick with H1N1 can spread the virus
not only to humans, but also 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 3 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 <http://www.idph.state.ia.us/h1n1/>
or call the Iowa Influenza Hotline at 1-800-447-1985. Contact information:
Polly Carver-Kimm at (515) 281-6693.

I also saw this on the new this morning and was reminded of an article I read just a week ago, stating that this virus could not be passed from our favorite pet species (cats and dogs) to humans, and vice versa.  Ferrets were mentioned as being one species that can transmit viruses to humans.  Then, looking into this further, I found an article from the Toronto Sun about an incident in the Czech Republic that disturbed me deeply.  It seems that they received a shipment of "seasonal" flu vaccine last year and, luckily, tested it on ferrets before distribution to the public.  ALL OF THE FERRETS DIED!   Somehow, they crossed the vaccine with the avian flu virus, which could have been deadly, not only to those directly vaccinated, but it could have easily transmitted the cross-strain and created an unprecedented epidemic.  Of course, this was not widely reported and though Baxter was being investigated by the WHO, they will not comment further becasue it would compromise thier "proprietary processes".  This was the most disturbing part of the article, as reported in the Toronto Sun on March 5, 2009: 

"While H5N1 doesn’t easily infect people, H3N2 viruses do. If someone exposed to a mixture of the two had been simultaneously infected with both strains, he or she could have served as an incubator for a hybrid virus able to transmit easily to and among people."

The entire article can be read here:
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2009/02/27/8560781.html

This, indeed, would have been a cross-strain created in a lab environment, most likely worse than any nature could bring forth.  Really scary stuff.  Makes you wonder...

I just got over a cold, and noticed my cat started sneezing, yesterday.  

I think it is ironic that half the people don't trust the vaccine and swear they won't go near it, and the other half complain they can't get it.

Go figure.

 For facts on what is known to date regarding transmission between humans and domestic animals see this link:

http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/

www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/ 

Hodie, I hope you don't mind, but I made a link for folk who want to know facts. I went to the site and it is very up to date and accurate.