Can Your Dog Or Cat Catch Swine Flu?

Yes, they can.

However, the ASPCA, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and The American Veterinary Medical Association all say the risk is very low and there is no evidence yet of pets contracting swine flu. Ferrets have a tendency to be more susceptible to human viruses so owners of ferrets should pay more attention for flu like symptoms.

If you have pigs on the other hand, you should look at vaccinating them.  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) the H1N1 Influenza (swine flu) is common among pig populations around the world. The first recorded case going back to 1930. The CDC report that  "51 percent of pigs in the north-central U.S. have been shown to have antibody evidence of infection with swine H1N1."

Cases of human infection are uncommon but isolated cases have been reported for several decades.  While it is possible to treat the virus, getting the common flu shot will not afford any protection against swine flu - as yet there is no vaccine for humans (although there is one for pigs).

You cannot catch swine flu from eating pork that has been properly cooked and handled.  The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the common flu and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. 

Cats and Dogs both have their own strain of influenza but there has been no known cases of these spreading to or from humans. 

As always, proper hygine and normal precautions especially during the flu season will lesson the risks that you and your pets will contract influenza.

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Tags: Swine Flu Pig Cat Dog Pet Virus Flu Contageous

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