Jun
08
2010
Can dogs catch and pass on the flu?
Posted by: Alan in dog flu treatment, tags: catch, dogs, pass
I’m not experiencing and incident with this issue it’s more out of curiosity
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June 8th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
The regular flu, no.
The most common type of flu that is zoonotic (can transfer from animal to human) is Avian Influenza (bird flu) and, as of recently, the h1n1 strain.
As far as I know, there is no flu that can transfer from dogs to humans. No worries
June 8th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Usually dogs have their own set of viruses that effect them. There have been some reported cases when cats and dogs do come down with the seasonal flu because their owners had it but it is not very common. It basically comes down to using the same precautions you would if you had other people in your home. Wash your hands and cover your cough.
http://www.parkrecord.com/ci_13782743?source=rss
June 8th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Yeah, depends on the strain of flu.
June 8th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Hi Michael.
Here are some FAQs related with 2009 H1N1 in Companion Animals
1. What animals can be infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus?
In addition to humans, live swine and turkeys, we know that ferrets (which are highly susceptible to influenza A viruses) and a domestic cat have been infected with 2009 H1N1 virus. CDC is working closely with domestic and international public and animal heath partners to continually monitor this situation and will provide additional information to the public as it becomes available.
2. How do companion animals become infected with 2009 H1N1?
All available information suggests that the ferrets and domestic cat with 2009 H1N1 infections acquired the virus through close contact with ill humans. Transmission of 2009 H1N1 virus from humans to animals appears similar to human-to-human transmission
3. Can I get 2009 H1N1 influenza from my pet?
Available evidence suggests that transmission has been from ill humans to their companion animals. No evidence is available to suggest that animals are infecting humans with 2009 H1N1 virus.
4. What do I do if I am sick with flu-like symptoms and I have pets?
If you are sick with influenza-like-illness, take the same precautions with your pets that you would to keep your family and friends healthy:
• Cover your coughs and sneezes
• Wash your hands frequently
• Minimize contact with your pets until 24 hours after your fever is gone
5. What should I do if I suspect my pet has 2009 H1N1 influenza virus?
If members of your household have flu-like symptoms, and your pet exhibits respiratory illness, contact your veterinarian.
6. Is there a vaccine available for my pet?
Currently, there is not a licensed and approved 2009 H1N1 vaccine for companion animals. (There is a canine influenza vaccine, which protects dogs from the H3N8 canine flu virus, but it will not protect pets against the 2009 H1N1 virus and should not be used in any species other than dogs.)
How serious is this disease in companion animals?
Pet ferrets with naturally occurring 2009 H1N1 infection have exhibited illness similar in severity as seen with ferrets exposed to seasonal influenza viruses and 2009 H1N1 virus in laboratory settings, including sneezing, inactivity, and weight loss. The single confirmed cat exhibited respiratory illness and recovered with supportive care.
Additional Information
American Veterinary Medical Association
http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp
United States Department of Agriculture
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/?navid=USDA_H1N1
Take Care. Regards.