According to the ASPCA, the first known case of H1N1 (Swine Flu) was diagnosed in a house cat in Iowa earlier this month. This is the first case of what is thought of to be human to pet transmission, as other family members came down with the virus before the cat. Thankfully, all of the family members and the cat have recovered from the illness. There is no evidence at the present time to suggest that transmission of the virus is possible from pet to human. If you do come down with the virus, the ASPCA recommends that you take the following steps to try to prevent the spread of the swine flu to your pets:
- washing hands thoroughly,
- covering coughs and sneezes and
- avoiding close contact with pets during the course of the illness.
In fact, if you’re sick, it’s a good idea to give your pets a place other than your bedroom to sleep at night until you get better.
