A/H1N1 flu confirmed in U.S. cat

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- A cat in Iowa has been infected with A/H1N1 flu, believed to be the first case of the pandemic strain in a feline in the United States, veterinary officials reported Wednesday.

The 13-year-old indoor cat was brought to the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University last week, where it tested positive for the A/H1N1 virus, the Iowa Department of Public Health said in a statement.

The case was then confirmed by both Iowa State and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"Two of the three members of the family that own the pet had suffered from influenza-like illness before the cat became ill," said Iowa's state health veterinarian Ann Garvey. "This is not completely unexpected, as other strains of influenza have been found in cats in the past."

Both the cat and its owners have since recovered.

People can keep their pets healthy by washing their hands, covering their mouths while coughing or sneezing, and keeping contact with their pets at a minimum while experiencing influenza-like symptoms, the statement said.

"Indoor pets that live in close proximity to someone who has been sick are at risk, and it is wise to monitor their health to ensure they aren't showing signs of illness," David Schmitt, State Veterinarian for Iowa, explained.