Dr. Doug Mader's - "To Your Pet's Health"
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Cats and Ferrets Are Susceptible to Swine Flu

By Dr. Doug Mader

Q. I heard that a cat got H1N1 from its owners. I have two cats that I love like children. Is there a swine flu vaccine that I can get to protect my cats?

-- Senia, Key West

A. It is true that a cat did acquire swine flu (H1N1) from its owners last week. This happened in Iowa. The cat was a 13-year-old house cat. Several of the occupants in the house where the cat lived were ill, and later it was discovered that they had H1N1. The cat developed respiratory signs (like a bad cold). The owners took the cat to their veterinarian and had it tested. It was positive for the H1N1 virus. This was the first cat known to be infected by the virus. Fortunately, with supportive care, the cat went on to a full recovery.

There are several diseases that can pass between animals and people, called zoonoses. As well, there are diseases that can pass from people to animals, called anthroponoses. The influenza virus is probably the most recognized virus that transmits between owners and cats. The swine flu is a variant of the influenza virus, so it is not at all surprising that this has occurred.

Of other domestic animal pets, ferrets are also highly susceptible to the flu virus. In fact, there have been two reported cases of H1N1 in ferrets to date. A ferret in Nebraska died from H1N1; the second ferret case, in Oregon, had a better outcome, with the ferret recovering from the disease.

There is no H1N1 vaccine for cats right now. In fact, it is hard to find H1N1 for people at this time. Human vaccinations will be a priority. Perhaps in time, feline vaccines may become available. But I would not hold my breath as I am not aware of any of the vaccine companies planning on making feline H1N1 vaccines.

The best way for you to protect your cat is to make sure it stays healthy. I recommend that cats be kept indoors, keep them up to date on their regular vaccinations (sick cats are more prone to acquiring other diseases while their immune systems are taxed) and give them proper nutrition.

You should also make it a point to keep yourself healthy during the flu season. That way you will not risk exposing your cats at home. Again, good diet; vitamins; wash your hands; keep hand sanitizers in your car, purse or backpack; as best as possible, avoid sick people (not always easy to do). I have encouraged my staff to get both the regular flu vaccine and the H1N1. I suggest that you talk to your physician about your need for vaccinations. I have always been a healthy person, rarely ever getting sick. But this year I have already gotten my flu vaccine and as soon as it is available I will be getting the H1N1.

You hear a lot of rumors about the vaccine being more dangerous than the disease. There are always risks with any vaccine, or any medication for that matter. You are at a far greater risk of disease (and possibly death) from the flu than you are from the vaccine. I just got back from a lecture trip to South America. I traveled with an infectious disease expert and asked him, point blank, "Are you going to get vaccinated?"

His response: "Absolutely."

Dr. Mader is an ABVP board certified veterinary specialist practicing in the Keys. Send your questions to Mvh525@aol.com.