Pigs have been infected with pandemic swine flu in 2009, just as they have been with endemic swine flu for years. (Endemic disease occurs sporadically, and does not spread in a threatening way.) Scientists have found 2009 H1N1 viruses in infected pig noses and lungs, but not ever in pig meat. (Eating pork is not a risk for H1N1 disease in humans.) US Department of Agriculture (USDA) veterinarians are monitoring swine herds brought to slaughter, and so far no cases have been found in slaughter houses.
Potbelly pigs can get the disease. Pig owners, whether the pig is a pet or raised for food, should be aware of the possibility of infecting their animals, especially if the owner or animal tender has a respiratory infection. The USDA provides special instructions for pig handlers and farmers.
Ferrets have been infected with 2009 H1N1, presumably getting the virus from their caretakers. A cat has been shown to have 2009 H1N1 (it recovered with supportive care).
Can My Dog Get Swine Flu?
Dogs in the US have not yet been seen to have 2009 H1N1. Dogs have their own flu to worry about, H3N8 influenza (canine influenza). Interestingly, canine influenza came from equine (horse) influenza—the virus jumped to infect both species. A vaccine for canine flu is available. No vaccine for 2009 H1N1 for dogs or other veterinary use is yet available.
If a dog gets swine flu, it is not known how serious that would be. Dogs with any influenza disease have essentially the same signs as with kennel cough: fever, lethargy, coughing, sneezing, and maybe a runny nose. Certainly if the dog seems to have difficulty breathing, call the veterinarian.
Dog flu does not seem to transmit to humans, according to the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).
If I Get H1N1 flu, What About My Pet?
The AVMA suggests you respect your pet’s health by washing your hands before handling your pet, and be careful not to sneeze or cough around it. They advise you to “limit contact between an ill family member and other family members and pets.”
Can I Get Flu From a Sick Pig?
Yes, according to the USDA. Farmers and swine handlers need to take precautions especially if the pig is coughing or snorting excessively. The virus may be in nasal secretions.
Pigs and H1N1 Viruses
Have pigs always had H1N1 viruses? Influenza type A viruses are named according to two proteins on the virus surface, hemagglutinin (H)and neuraminidase (N). The virus of concern has type one hemagglutinin and type one neuraminidase, hence it is a type H1N1 virus, no matter what it infects. H1N1 viruses are fairly common, and swine and other animals have had H1N1 infections from time to time. The H1N1 virus causing public concern this year, however, has the unusual characteristic of being able to penetrate and injure cells deep in the lungs. That’s why it is more appropriately called “pandemic 2009 H1N1.” It is also called “novel H1N1.”
It was called “swine flu virus” initially only because part of its genome was identical to the endemic swine flu virus. But calling it swine flu led many people to think one could catch the disease be eating pork, which is not true.
Information About Dealing With 2009 H1N1 Disease
Masks to Prevent Spread of H1N1
How the Emergency Department Handles Possible Flu
Sources
American Veterinary Medicine Association
US Department of Agriculture
James Cooper - I'm on the faculty of a health science department at a large university. Most of my articles derive from conferences or presentations ...
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