WTHR |Iowa cat, Indiana pigs contract H1N1 flu

Iowa cat, Indiana pigs contract H1N1 flu

The Iowa Department of Public Health says a cat has tested positive for the H1N1 flu.

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 three 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.

Pigs in Indiana

The US Department of Agriculture says pigs in a commercial herd in Indiana have tested positive for the H1N1 flu virus.

This is the first instance of the virus in a commercial herd in the United States.

The USDA says it discovered four tissue samples that tested positive for the virus. The pigs and the people caring for the pigs have recovered.