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The 2009 H1N1 virus has been connected to numerous human deaths, yet significantly fewer confirmed cases and deaths have occurred in companion animals. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) there have been no new reported cases of 2009 H1N1 in the US since January when a Colorado cat tested positive.
Why have the numbers of companion animal H1N1 cases dwindled?
Improved human sanitary habits
So far, the route of exposure for household pets has been through an infected human living in the same environment. This circumstance exemplifies the zoonotic transmission route (between differing species). Greater public awareness and improved sanitary habits may contribute to the 2009 H1N1 virus only having infected a small number of pets.
If the virus ultimately becomes capable of horizontal transmission (between members of the same species), then more companion animals could become infected. Places where animals are contained in close quarters (kennels, boarding facilities, hospitals, etc) are capable of becoming “hot zones” for the spread of 2009 H1N1.
Clinical diagnosis of H1N1 infection may not be achieved due to lack of veterinary examination or laboratory testing
In my clinical practice, both cats and dogs present for veterinary care with a variety of respiratory tract signs (cough, sneeze, ocular and nasal discharge, altered respiratory patterns, etc). What is the number of suspected 2009 H1N1 cases I have confirmed with laboratory testing? Zero (fortunately), so far, but I will certainly keep on testing those cases that seemingly fit the H1N1 bill.
With greater public awareness of the virus’ zoonotic transfer from people to pets, my clients are more forthcoming with reports of chronological proximity of their own illnesses to that of their pet’s.
Certainly, if there is a realistic likelihood a pet has been exposed to 2009 H1N1 from a caretaker or if clinical signs of respiratory tract illness do not resolve, then laboratory testing for the virus and other infectious organisms should be pursued. Idexx Laboratories’ Canine Respiratory Disease Panel tests for a variety of bacterial and viral infectious organisms, including H1N1.
Unfortunately, some pet owners do not pursue veterinary evaluation until their pet is more significantly ill. Others do not seek veterinary care at all. In these circumstances, the veterinarian cannot participate in the increased public awareness of 2009 H1N1 infection in pets due to lack of opportunity.
To reduce the spread of 2009 H1N1 and other infectious organisms, please practice common sense, sanitary habits (wash hands with soap and water, sneeze into your elbow, etc). Additionally, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) weekly FluView) for Influenza virus tracking and further information.
For the sake of canine, feline, and human public health, I hope that rash of 2009 H1N1 infection in people and pets continues to decline.
Copyright of this article is owned by Dr. Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist.
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This article also appeared on WeHoNews.com; see Our Companions: Animal Swine Flu Fizzles
Has Swine Flu (2009 H1N1) Infection Peaked in Pets
Has Swine Flu (2009 H1N1) Infection Peaked in Pets