We’ve taken a number of calls recently, to answer questions regarding the transmissibility of swine influenza to our pets. We’d like to give you a little information about this virus.

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Type A influenza viruses. For a long time before the recent mutated human-to-human version arose, outbreaks of swine flu have happened regularly in pigs. Before the current outbreak, people rarely got swine flu, and usually only if they were in very close proximity to infected pigs. However, during the current outbreak, the virus is able to spread from person-to-person. This represents a brand new mutation, for which Influenza viruses are known.
The mutation did NOT make the virus transmissible to our cats and dogs.
The hybrid virus has never been isolated in pigs in the US, or anywhere in the world.
Pork and pork products are as safe to eat as they have ever been. They should be cooked, of course, but not because there is swine flu virus in them.
None of the people currently infected by the mutated virus have had any contact with swine.
Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to those of regular or seasonal flu and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Although winter is over, there is still a low level of seasonal (not swine flu) influenza occurring in our state.

Persons with swine flu are contagious for up to seven days or longer after the onset of illness. There is no vaccine against swine flu available at this time, but it can be treated with certain antiviral drugs, particularly if it is diagnosed early.

Keep an eye on the media to find out more about what is being learned about swine flu. Know that your pets are not at risk.