H1N1 and Your Pet

It was announced today that a cat in Iowa has tested positive for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.  This is the first documented case of H1N1 virus in a domestic cat.  The virus has also been diagnosed in a pet ferret here in Oregon.  In both cases, the pet contracted the virus from their owner who was sick.  For complete information, please visit the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association web page .

If you or a family member become ill, take care with handling your pets.  Practice good hygiene habits including hand-washing, using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.  If your pet begins to demonstrate symptoms such as respiratory illness, lethargy, or redness around the eyes, please contact us to have your pet examined by a veterinarian.  

The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association is a reliable source of information regarding H1N1 and your pet.  Their web page dedicated to the H1N1 virus will be continually updated as new information becomes available.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by email or call 503-648-1643.