A 13-year-old indoor cat has a confirmed case of H1N1, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). They remind the public that people who are sick with H1N1 can spread the virus not only to humans, but also to some animals.

"Two of the three members of the family that owns the pet had suffered from influenza-like illness before the cat became ill," said IDPH Public Health Veterinarian, Dr. Ann Garvey. "This is not completely unexpected, as other strains of influenza have been found in cats in the past."

Both the cat and its owners have recovered from their illnesses.

The cat tested positive for the H1N1 virus at the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. The diagnosis is the culmination of collaborative efforts between IDPH, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Center for Advanced Host Defenses, Immunobiotics and Translational Comparative Medicine, USDA, and IDALS Animal Industry Bureau.

People can keep their pets healthy by washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and minimizing contact with their pets while ill with influenza-like symptoms. If your pet exhibits signs of a respiratory illness, contact your veterinarian.

"Indoor pets that live in close proximity to someone who has been sick are at risk and it is wise to monitor their health to ensure they aren't showing signs of illness," said Dr. David Schmitt, State Veterinarian for Iowa. 

For more information about H1N1, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/h1n1/ or call the Iowa Influenza Hotline at 1-800-447-1985. 

Source: The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) Press Release, 11/4/2009; Contact: Polly Carver-Kimm

Photo credit: Google images, as seen on hsph.harvard.edu