While the H1N1 (swine) flu has been declared by WHO to now be in Phase 5, just short of a pandemic, it is only spread by people-people contact, and actually has very little, if anything to do with swine (pigs.) Therefore, according to both the AVMA and the ASPCA, household pets, such as cats and dogs, should be safe from the swine flu. Dr. Louise Murray, the Director of Medicine at the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Hospital in New York City, has this to say:
"At this time there is no data demonstrating any risk of dogs and cats contracting this strain of the virus." "However, owners of pet pigs, as well as farmers, should monitor their animals' health more closely during this outbreak. Steps to limit possible transmission from humans to pigs and vice versa are recommended."
This approach seems somewhat more cautious than the stance taken by the AVMA in its FAQ:
Q:Can my pot-bellied pig get the 2009 H1N1 virus and give it to me?
A:Despite its being called "swine flu," this virus has not been found in pigs, so your pig is safe. However, pot-bellied pigs can become ill from a number of causes, and keeping your pig healthy and free of disease helps protect your pig as well as you. If you have a pet pig and it appears ill, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Additional Helpful Reading
Swine Flu Pandemic Phase 5
Can My Dog or Cat Get Swine Flu?
Swine Flu FAQ
Can My Dog Get Swine Flu?
H1N1 (Swine) Flu and Pet Ferrets
Comments
Thanks, Franny! I was wondering about that. One less thing to stress about – very important these days, isn’t it?
Today’s climate certainly adds to all our stress levels. But then, we wouldn’t be good cat parents if we didn’t worry about our babies, would we?
Tell me about it. I find myself being a little displeased that my schedule makes it necessary for Mike to scoop the litter boxes sometimes; when I do all the scooping, it’s easier to for me keep a weather eye on each cat’s health. No, I’m not an obsessive mom at all!
Thank you so much for such succinct information on H1N1 2009 (Swine Flu). Every other source I have checked mentions information relevant for HUMANS, but completely ignores our pets. Chica is an INDOOR cat(Black tortoiseshell Persian), but occasionally a wild bird can fly in via an open window. I will make sure she never catches one!
This is just NOT true. Pigs in Canada have contracted the swine flu from a farmer who visisted Mexico and then went home and infected his pigs. It is thought that the swine flu origninated from factory farm pigs that are kept in inhumane conditions therefore are stressed and their immune systems are weak and a strain of bird flu. Pigs get the flu all the time so why would you say this?
Deborah:
You are undoubtedly referring to this announcement by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. I am following that investigation and will update when it is complete.
But for the present, human pets should remain safe as long as people follow common sense sanitary precautions.
no study behind this interview
Seems cats cat get swine flue after all. I wish those doctors do some tests before they say something. No cases till now is not proof. They should have exposed a cat to the virus and then draw a conclusion.
What’s the new conclusion: your cat CAN get swine flu.