First case of swine flu in dog confirmed

Veterinarians in White Plains, N.Y., have identified the first known case of pandemic H1N1 influenza in a dog — a 13-year-old mixed-breed male who is now recovering. The dog was tested because his owner previously had swine flu.

The virus has been found before in other pets, including at least three ferrets, several cats and pigs, and a cheetah named Gijima at a wildlife preserve in Santa Rosa, Calif.

A couple of the cats died, but most of the animals recovered.

In each case, the virus is thought to have been transmitted to the animal by its owner or handler, and there is no evidence of the virus being passed back to a human.

These incidents "are not a reason to be concerned," said Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. "A rare occurrence in other species is not a problem."

And if you are wondering, the symptoms of flu in pets are the same as they are in humans: fever, lethargy, runny nose, lack of appetite, coughing and possibly sneezing.

Michael San Filippo, a spokesman for the American Veterinary Medical Association, said there's no evidence the flu strain can be transmitted from a pet to a person.

"In theory it could happen, but so far it's really looking like a dead end in pets," he said.

Schuchat of the CDC said Tuesday that animals can carry and spread flu viruses, but such cases are rare and people should not be afraid to enjoy their pets.

The CDC says swine flu is waning among humans. It said infections were widespread in 11 states, down from 48 in late October.