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H1N1 Influenza Virus Infection in Colorado
January 15th, 2010
An 8-year-old female domestic shorthair cat was taken to a shelter after her
owner passed away. The cat was adopted into a new home after 24 hours. The cat
began to show respiratory signs in the new owner’s home after five days and was
taken to the Colorado Avenue Vet Hospital in Colorado
Springs. On presentation, the cat was sneezing and had
clear discharge from the nose and eyes.The veterinarian ran a full profile test to diagnose the undelrying viruses causing the infection. This screening profile included the H1N1 virus. A diagnosis of feline upper respiratory disease from a co-infection with feline
herpes virus (FHV-1) and the H1N1 influenza virus was made. FHV-1 is a common
cause of upper respiratory disease in cats. H1N1 influenza virus infection has
been confirmed in a number of cats since the fall of 2009. However, in most
reported cases the cats have been exposed to a family member with a confirmed
case of H1N1 influenza virus. There was no known exposure of this cat at either
the shelter or in its new home to a person with H1N1 influenza virus or
flu-like symptoms. The infection was only detected because the H1N1 influenza
virus test is a component of the comprehensive upper respiratory disease
profile through the laboratory.
The cat was treated at the animal hospital and released the same day. The cat is reported to be doing well at home and is scheduled for a recheck in
seven days. The shelter has also been notified of the results.
(Source: www.idexx.com)
First confirmed case of H1N1 flu in Iowa cat
November 4, 2009
H1N1 confirmed in Iowa cat
A 13-year old cat in Iowa developed signs of a respiratory infection after several people in the household were ill with H1N1. Preliminary testing was positive for 2009 H1N1 on October 29 and state officials confirmed the results on November 2. This is the first report of a cat infected with this strain of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The cat developed respiratory symptoms but is recovering from its illness. To date, there is no evidence that the cat passed the virus to any people.
Prior to this diagnosis, the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus had been found in humans, pigs, birds and ferrets.
The AVMA and American Association of Feline Practitioners are reminding pet owners that some viruses can pass between people and animals, so this was not an alogether undexpected even. 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 Web site at www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus.
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