Oregon Cat first feline death from H1N1

By Sheilah Downey

A 10-year old male cat has died from the H1N1 flu virus, and veterinarians are cautioning that it may be possible for cats to transmit the virus to humans, according to the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA).

Dr. Emilio DeBess, the Oregon State Public Health Veterinarian, said transmission from cats to humans could be possible, and that coughing and sneezing can spread the virus which can remain infectious for about a week outside the body.

The cat, who was admitted with pneumonia and treated with oxygen and medication, died on Nov. 7. He was diagnosed with the H1N1 virus by  Oregon State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

The OVMA advised cat owners not to panic and stated that the number of confirmed cases of the H1N1 infection are small compared to the estimated 88 million cats in the U.S.

It is the first death of a feline from the swine flu virus, although the third confirmed case in a cat. Cases of the H1N1 virus have been confirmed in cats in Iowa and Utah last month. Both of those cats survived.

It is believed that the cats were infected with the swine flu from humans in the households. The veterinary clinic advised that if household members are sick with influenza-like symptoms to wash hands using alcohol-based cleaners, cover mouth and nose when you sneeze and to avoid touching your cat's eyes, nose and mouth.

The OVMA advised owners to watch your cat for symptoms and to seek veterinary help if the cat shows signs of respiratory illness, including coughing, sneezing, lethargy or swelling and redness around the eyes.

Although this is the first feline death, it is not the first pet to die of the swine flu virus. Last month, a ferret who was diagnosed with the swine flu virus died in Nebraska. Four Oregon ferrets tested positive for the virus but have recovered, according to the OVMA.