2009 H1N1 Flu Virus News & Information

 

*** Link to Frequently Asked Questions - Flu Virus and Pets ***

 

Updated March 30, 2010

March 25, 2010 The USDA has updated its list of presumptive and confirmatory results for 2009 H1N1 influenza infection in animals. To date, there have been no additional reports of pets infected with the virus.

February 3, 2010 A study published in the Virology Journal on BioMed Central showed that the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus can be transmitted via intrauterine insemination, causing a decrease in egg production.

January 20, 2010 2009 H1N1 influenza has been confirmed in a commercial swine herd in the Shonai area of Japan. Affected pigs showed signs of reduced appetite, fever and coughing.

January 15, 2010 An 8-year old, female, domestic shorthaired cat was confirmed to be infected with 2009 H1N1 influenza as well as feline herpesvirus. The cat had recently been adopted within 24 hours of its arrival at an animal shelter, and began to show signs of illness (sneezing, runny nose/eyes) 5 days after it was introduced to its new home. Although there was no known exposure to an infected person or other animal, authorities cannot rule out exposure to an infected but asymptomatic (showing no symptoms of illness) person or animal. The cat is recovering from its illness.

January 9, 2010 Denmark submitted a report to the OIE describing outbreaks of 2009 H1N1 influenza in two commercial swine herds: a fattening herd of 3,200 piglets and a second herd comprised of 750 sows, 250 slaughter pigs and 2,400 piglets. Three deaths were reported in the second herd but to date, no deaths have been observed in the first herd.

January 8, 2010 The USDA has posted the Influenza Surveillance in Swine Procedures Manual to its website and distributed it to National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratories.

January 6, 2010 The California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) Laboratory has confirmed the presence of the H1N1 influenza virus in a turkey breeding flock in California's Central Valley. The CAHFS Laboratory confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza infection on December 28, 2009 by PCR testing of swabs taken from the infected flock. There have been no clinical signs of illness in the flock other than a decrease in egg production. Although the State of California has not officially quarantined the facility, the producer has imposed a self quarantine until further testing has been completed. Samples were forwarded to NVSL for additional confirmatory testing.

December 28, 2009  The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and Pico Boulevard Pet Hospital have reported a 2009 H1N1-infected cat in southern California. An 8-year old, female domestic shorthaired cat developed clinical signs of respiratory disease after its owner was ill with confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza infection. According to the owner, the cat had spent a lot of time on the owner's lap. The owner reported that the cat was sneezing and had a nasal discharge and occasional cough, but the cat was normal when examined by the veterinarian. Laboratory testing revealed 2009 H1N1 influenza infection as well as Mycoplasma felis infection. (Mycoplasma felis is a type of bacteria that can cause conjunctivitis, respiratory disease and polyarthritis [arthritis in more than one joint]). The cat is recovering from its illness.

December 24, 2009  2009 H1N1 influenza has been confirmed in commercial swine in North Carolina. The pigs exhibited mild clinical signs of disease after possible exposure to humans with influenza-like illness.

December 24, 2009  The Ministry of Agriculture and Food in Russia issued a report to the OIE of a 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak in a swine herd.

December 21, 2009 IDEXX Laboratories has confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in a dog in Bedford Hills, New York. A 13-year old dog became ill after its owner was ill with confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza. The dog was lethargic, coughing, not eating, and had a fever. Radiographs (x-rays) showed evidence of pneumonia. The dog was treated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, nebulization and other supportive care, and was discharged from the hospital after 48 hours of care. It is currently recovering. Tests submitted to IDEXX Laboratories were negative for canine influenza (H3N8) but positive for 2009 H1N1 influenza. The results were confirmed by the Iowa State Laboratory.

December 17, 2009 The USDA's Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) has published a study that confirms that the meat and tissues from pigs exposed to two strains of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus did not contain the virus. Pigs infected with the virus developed mild signs of illness, but the virus was not present in the tissues or meat at 3, 5 or 7 days after exposure to the virus. This study emphasizes that pork, even from pigs which have recovered from illness due to 2009 H1N1 influenza, does not pose a foodborne illness threat.

December 15, 2009 The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has made a statement on its web site that "Employers are responsible for recording cases of 2009 H1N1 illness if all of the following requirements are met: (1) the case is a confirmed case of 2009 H1N1 illness as defined by CDC; (2) the case is work-related as defined by 1904.5; and (3) the case involves one or more of the recording criteria set forth in 1904.7 (e.g., medical treatment, days away from work). Per CPL-02-02-075." This applies to all establishments covered by PART 1904, which includes the majority of veterinary practices. Prior to this notice, 2009 H1N1 was not reportable. Seasonal flu illnesses remain non-reportable.

December 14, 2009 The USDA has updated its 2009 H1N1 data to reflect additional positive tests in turkeys on the same farm in Virginia previously infected with the virus. In addition, the USDA's information includes positive 2009 H1N1 influenza test results obtained during USDA surveillance testing in Illinois.

December 11, 2009 The USDA has issued a conditional license to Pfizer Animal Health for a 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to vaccinate pigs against the virus. According to the USDA, this is the first 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine license issued by the USDA.

December 10, 2009 -  Germany reported an outbreak of 2009 H1N1 influenza in a commercial swine herd with 425 pigs. Two (2) animals became ill, and both died. The outbreak began on November 21, 2009 and infection was confirmed on December 3. The source of the outbreak is listed as unknown or inconclusive.

December 10, 2009 - We have been informed that a cat in Pennsylvania died from 2009 H1N1 influenza. The cat, a 12 year old domestic shorthair, developed respiratory illness on November 3, 2009 after four family members in the household were ill with flu-like symptoms. The signs of illness observed in the cat included lethargy, loss of appetite and difficulty breathing. Radiographs (x-rays) taken by the examining veterinarian revealed pneumonia. The cat was treated with antibiotics, but the pneumonia worsened. The cat died on November 6, 2009. Nasal swabs collected on November 6 were negative for the 2009 H1N1 flu virus, but samples collected at necropsy tested positive for the virus on November 14. The NVSL conducted additional testing and confirmed the presence of 2009 H1N1 influenza on November 27, 2009.

December 8, 2009 - The Oregon state public health veterinarian has confirmed that another cat has died from 2009 H1N1 influenza. On November 24th 2009, an 8 year-old spayed female cat presented as an emergency to a veterinary clinic, showing signs of severe weakness and pain. According to the owner, the cat had a history of allergies and sneezing with nasal discharge and chronic sinusitis. The cat was hypothermic and dehydrated, very weak, and had nasal discharge and blue-tinged mucous membranes. Radiographs (x-rays) showed severe pneumonia and fluid accumulation in the cat's chest. A nasal discharge sample was collected and tested positive for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus by the Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Despite supportive care and treatment with oseltamivir (Tamiflu), the cat died the evening of November 24. The cat's owner had previously been ill with severe respiratory disease and was confirmed to be infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

December 8, 2009 - France's Director General of Health announced that a cat in France has tested positive for the 2009 H1N1 virus. The cat - a 5 year old, neutered, domestic shorthair cat - developed respiratory illness after 2 children in the household had been ill. The cat recovered in 6 days.

December 4, 2009 - Italy reported to the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) that a commercial herd of swine was confirmed to be infected with 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The clinical signs reported included loss of appetite, fever and weakness. All of the affected pigs recovered from the illness.

December 4, 2009 - Two cats (aged 10 and 11 years) from different households in Colorado have tested positive for 2009 H1N1 influenza, according to Colorado State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The felines are expected to recover, but their cases serve as a reminder to pet owners to seek veterinary attention for companion animals that appear to be ill.

December 2, 2009 - A commercial swine herd in Norfolk, England was confirmed to be infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

December 1, 2009 - A cheetah in California has tested positive on preliminary tests for 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Confirmatory tests are pending. We are in communication with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) and will post additional information and resources when they become available. Zoos remain safe to visit; however, it is in the best interest of everyone that people with flu-like illness avoid visiting public places until they have recovered from their illness.
[ Update December 11, 2009: We have received more information about the affected cheetahs. Four cheetahs in a private zoo setting developed respiratory disease. The first cheetah exhibited lethargy, coughing, nasal discharge and decreased appetite. The second cheetah exhibited similar clinical signs approximately 6 days after the first cheetah. The third and fourth cheetahs became ill 9 and 11 days (respectively) after the first cheetah; the clinical signs exhibited by these cheetahs were more severe than those of the first two, and included harsh coughing, increased respiratory rate and a rough haircoat. All cheetahs recovered from their illness in 5-16 days. A nasal swab taken from one of the four cheetahs tested positive for the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. Although the origin of the cheetahs' infection has not been conclusively identified, investigators suspect an animal handler was the source of infection for the animals. ]

November 30, 2009 - Finland has reported an outbreak of 2009 H1N1 influenza in a commercial swine herd. The farmers had been ill with flu-like symptoms several days before the pigs become ill. Clinical signs observed in the pigs included fever, loss of appetite and mild respiratory signs. All pigs recovered within 1-2 days.

November 30, 2009 - The USDA has confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in a turkey breeder flock in Virginia. This is the first detection of the virus H1N1 in U.S. turkeys. Canada and Chile have already had cases in domestic turkeys. A worker had recently been sent home with flu-like symptoms, and was possibly the source of infection. The USDA states that turkey is still safe to eat.

 

China urges intensified supervision on A/H1N1 flu in animals

November 28, 2009 - BEIJING (Xinhua)

China's Ministry of Agriculture has called for intensified monitoring and investigation of A/H1N1 flu in animals after two samples from sick dogs were tested positive for the virus.

The veterinary clinic of College of Veterinary Medicine at the China Agricultural University reported Wednesday that two out of 52 samples from sick dogs were tested positive for A/H1N1 flu virus, the ministry said late Friday.

Analysis of genetic composition found the virus detected in the samples and those found on human A/H1N1 flu cases were 99 percent homologous, it said.

The ministry urged local authorities to further enhance prevention and control, intensify monitoring and investigation in animal cases of A/H1N1 flu and closely watch the virus mutation situation in animals.  

 

H1N1 update: Cat death in Oregon from presumed 2009 H1N1

November 18, 2009 – American Veterinary Medical Association

The Oregon state public health veterinarian has reported that a pet cat has died from presumed 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection. The cat was one of 4 cats in the household and became ill approximately one week after a child in the household had a flu-like illness.
It developed labored breathing and was presented to a veterinarian on November 4. The cat was not coughing or sneezing
but had pneumonia. The cat's condition deteriorated over the next 3 days, and it died on November 7. Samples were obtained
and tested (PCR) positive for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Additional samples were sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) for confirmation and are still pending. At this time this is a presumed, not confirmed, case of 2009 H1N1 influenza infection.

The three other cats in the household also became ill with different degrees of sneezing and coughing, but recovered from their illnesses. Samples collected from these cats were negative for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

The message to pet owners remain the same.

• This is not cause for panic, but underscores the importance of taking pets to a veterinarian if they are showing signs of illness. This is especially important if someone in the household has recently been ill with flu-like symptoms.
• Ferret and cat owners should remain vigilant.
• To date, all of the sick pets became ill after a person in the household was ill with flu-like symptoms. There is no evidence to suggest that pets have or will spread the virus to humans or other animals.
• Proper hygiene and sanitation measures should be followed to limit the spread of the influenza virus.

 

Three more Ore. ferrets sick with H1N1

Nov 12, 2009  -  DVM NEWSMAGAZINE

Roseburg, Ore. -- Three more cases of H1N1 infection in pet ferrets has been detected.

Oregon State Public Health Veterinarian Emilio Bess confirmed Nov. 10 that a trio of ferrets -- part of a group of nine potentially infected pet ferrets owned by the same family -- were infected.

Another one of the family's ferrets was found to have H1N1 in early October, according to the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association.

Family members likely infected the ferrets as the human patients exhibited flu-like symptoms a week before the ferrets did. The infected ferrets are recovering.

Veterinarians should urge pet owners to cover their coughs and sneezes and thoroughly wash their hands when handling sick pets or when they're sick, Bess says. Owners of ferrets and cats -- species infected by pet owners so far -- should watch for coughing, sneezing, and yellow or green discharge from animals' nose and eyes, and take affected animals to their veterinarian.

 

H1N1 flu confirmed in Iowa cat

Nov 4, 2009  -  DVM NEWSMAGAZINE

Ames, Iowa. -- The first documented case of H1N1 influenza in a cat was confirmed Nov. 4 at Iowa State University's veterinary college.

Prior to this diagnosis, the H1N1 influenza virus had been found in humans, pigs, birds and ferrets.

The 13-year-old cat tested positive for the H1N1 virus after it was taken to the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, according to reports from the Iowa Department of Public Health.

The confirmed diagnosis was achieved through a collaboration between the Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Center for Advanced Host Defenses, Immunobiotics and Translational Comparative Medicine, USDA, and IDALS Animal Industry Bureau.

In a related briefing, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) reminded pet owners that some viruses can pass between people and animals. Owners should seek veterinary care when signs, symptoms occur, the association says in a prepared statement.

AVMA says it is actively tracking cases of H1N1 in animals and posting updates on its Web site at www.avma.org.