Vets confirm first swine flu case in a dog
The first case of a dog contracting swine flu has been confirmed by veterinarians in White Plains, N.Y.
The H1N1 influenza was found in a 13-year-old mixed-breed male who is now recovering, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The virus has previously been been found in other pets, including several cats and ferrets, all of which are suspected to have contracted the disease from their owners or handlers.
These incidents “are not a reason to be concerned,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “A rare occurrence in other species is not a problem.”
The symptoms of flu in pets are the same as they are in humans: fever, lethargy, runny nose, lack of appetite, coughing and sneezing.
Posted by jwoestendiek December 22nd, 2009 under Muttsblog.
Tags: animals, canine, case, centers for disease control, confirmed, disease, dog, dogs, first, h1n1, health, influenza, new york, pets, swine flu, veterinarian, veterinary, white plains
