This is a read from the ASPCA website and i ahve simply copied it and pasted it here.
Can My Pet Catch Swine Flu?
Don't worry, pet parents! The recent, rapid outbreak of the H1N1 virus, previously known as swine flu, appears to present little risk of infecting our furry friends. In the past few weeks, only humans have been affected by the new virus, and it's still unknown how the virus will impact other species.
"Currently there's no data demonstrating any risk of dogs and cats contracting this strain of the virus," says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Hospital in New York City. "However, owners of pet pigs, as well as farmers, should monitor their animals' health more closely and take steps to limit transmission from humans to pigs and vice versa."
If you do count a pet pig as your animal companion, please consult with your veterinarian about a Type A influenza vaccine, which is available and recommended for all healthy swine.
Dr. Miranda Spindel, Director of ASPCA Veterinary Outreach, adds: "Swine influenza or swine flu is one of the leading causes of respiratory disease in swine throughout the world. Like most influenza A viruses, swine flu generally causes high levels of illness in pigs, but fatalities are uncommon."
For the latest information about the outbreak and your pet's health, please visit the Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu). If you suspect your pet is ill or if he exhibits any sudden changes in behavior, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
Read the ASPCA's official statement on swine flu.
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2 comments:
I was listening to a news broadcast last night on which they announced that the reason they are now calling it H1N1, rather than swine flu, is because there is absolutely no evidence that THIS outbreak of influenza ever was connected to piggies in any way whatsoever. Apparently someone jumped to conclusions and the fearmongering began. As a result, some places began slaughtering pigsin a knee-jerk reaction. How sad.
Egypt began the cull of over 400,000 pigs yesterday. People were protesting , the vets were not in aggreement with the goverments decision either.
It should of never been called the swine flu in the first palce when i read the first reports it clearly states its a new virus Hellooooooooo so I blame the media for that. Now the almighty Pork Industry has spoken here and most are now reporting it for what it is , H1N1.
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