Second Cat Confirmed with H1N1 in Utah

Second Confirmed Feline H1N1 Case
A 14-year old cat in Park City, Utah has been confirmed positive for the H1N1 (swine) influenza virus. This is the second confirmed feline case of H1N1, the first case was confirmed in an Iowa cat on November 4th.

Cat Catches Flu From Human
Like all other known animal cases of H1N1, the human family member was ill first with influenza symptoms. In this case, the owner of the cat was also diagnosed with H1N1. When the cat was presented to veterinarian Dr. Carl Prior, it was having difficulty breathing and upper respiratory problems. The cat is now "nearly recovered," according to the original story in the Park City Record.

Another cat in the Park City household has been isolated from the sick cat and family members and does not show any signs of illness at this time.

Tests Confirmed in Iowa Lab
According to the AVMA Flu Virus Outbreak page, "the infection was serologically confirmed by the laboratory at Iowa State University on November 13" for the Utah cat.

Flu Precautions
It is important not to panic, remembering that this case, like the other pet cases of H1N1 were transmitted from humans TO pets, not the other way around. Wash your hands, cover coughs, and isolate sick individuals to reduce the chance of spread of this disease.

Related News

• H1N1 and Animals
  News timeline of events
• Cat in Park City has the swine flu
  ParkRecord.com
• Utah cat tests positive for H1N1 flu
  DVM360.com
• Frequently Asked Questions by Veterinarians about 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus
  From the AVMA
• Frequently Asked Questions About 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus
  From the AVMA

Image: H1N1 influenza virus - CDC Influenza Laboratory.

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