PHOENIX -- What has been up until now considered exclusively a human health crisis, is now turning up in animals, after a cat and two ferrets were added to the list of H1N1 victims.
The cases are testing conventional wisdom, which held that humans could not spread the virus to animals.
"A lot of times, we'll see cats with respiratory symptoms, but we don't think of swine flu," said Dr. Jeff Jenkins, with the Ahwatukee Animal Care Hospital. "It's hard to say what the significance is. Is this a one-time occurrence, or is this something that's going to be a problem down the road?"
Jenkins said there is no reliable way to test cats for swine flu, and that the vaccine was made for humans, so it wouldn't work for animals.
But there is a new canine flu vaccine, which is good news, since those cases are up. Jenkins is already "highly recommending it" for his patients.
"I think in the future, most veterinary clinics are going to strongly recommend it, and I think all boarding facilities are going to be at a point where they require it," he said.
According to Jenkins, it is a good idea to vaccinate your dogs, since 80 percent who are exposed to the virus, catch it. It is especially crucial in situations where they are in close quarters, like kennels, the vet's office or the dog park. Humans can also spread the canine virus to other dogs for up to 12 hours.
Jenkins said the canine virus should be more of a concern that the swine flu for your pets.
"I wouldn't worry about swine flu," he said. "Potentially, yes, it could be a problem, but it's not likely at all."
Veterinarians and health care professionals said the best way to protect your animals, is the same way you would protect a human in your family -- frequent hand washing and good hygiene.
