Influenza A transmissible to pets?

Owners of domestic animals suffering from influenza A (H1N1) could transmit the pandemic virus to their pet, according to a study published on the website of the American Kansas State University. Pets are not necessarily all sensitive to H1N1, but cats and ferrets can catch the flu A.

"A small number of cases of animals suffering from influenza A (H1N1) were confirmed in the United States," said Dick Hesse, a virologist at the Veterinary Laboratory of the Kansas State University.

The animals would become ill after being in contact with their owners, affected by the virus H1N1. Though, there is no evidence that this virus can be transmitted from pets to humans.

The transmission of H1N1 virus from a man to an animal is rare. People owning a pet and suffering from influenza A should contact their veterinarian if their pet becomes ill.

All animals could be susceptible to this virus H1N1, but the cases reported at this time exclusively of cats and ferrets. Dogs and tame birds can develop different forms of influenza.

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