Can Pets Get Swine Flu?
Animal Organization Says Swine Flu Poses Small Risk to Cats and Dogs
May 1, 2009
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), established in 1866 to prevent cruelty to all animals throughout the United States, researchers are unsure whether or not the virus can infect animals other than swine, but the expectations of such conditions are low.
In fact, researchers are not completely sure that the current strain of Type A influenza, currently termed “swine flu,” even began in pigs, and its origins are being researched.
“At this time there is no data demonstrating any risk of dogs and cats contracting this strain of the virus,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Hospital in New York City. “However, owners of pet pigs, as well as farmers, should monitor their animals’ health more closely during this outbreak. Steps to limit possible transmission from humans to pigs and vice versa are recommended.”
Protecting Companion Pigs
Humans who have Vietnamese Potbellies, African Pygmies, and other pet pigs as animal companions should consult their veterinarians about a Type A influenza vaccine that is available and recommended for all healthy swine. Also, check with a veterinarian if a pig animal companion shows any sign of illness.
Those with swine farms and pig animal companions should limit public exposure that might put the animals at risk for illness. The American Association of Swine Veterinarians suggests that visitors be temporarily banned from swine production units, and for humans to avoid all unnecessary contact with pigs.
Evolution of Swine Flu
Swine are unique in the animal kingdom because they are able to host both mammalian and avian influenza viruses, the ASPCA says, allowing viruses to mutate into new strains by allowing avian influenza to adapt to mammals.
When these new viruses appear, it is possible for humans to become infected and spread the virus mutation from person to person. The virus that recently originated in Mexico, although its exact origins are currently being researched, is a unique genetic mixture of Type A influenza viruses found in pigs, birds, and humans.
For more official information and updates on the current swine flu outbreak and how it may affect humans and animal companions, the ASPCA recommends visiting the Center for Disease Control website and the website of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Precautions to Keep Pets Healthy
Precautions to keep mammalian pet companions such as cats, dogs,rabbits, and guinea pigs healthy involve common sense and are much the same as those for preventing the spread of disease among humans.
- Clean hands often, either with hand sanitizer or soap and water, before and after handling animal companions, especially if greeting a pet after being out in public.
- Avoid unnecessary contact with swine, although origins of the current disease are still being researched.
- Dispose of used tissues, clean hands after sneezing or coughing, and do not touch an animal companion without first cleaning hands after sneezing or coughing.
- Visit a veterinarian if animal companions show any sign of illness.
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