A thirteen year old cat in Iowa is reported to have contracted the 2009 H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as Swine Flu. The Iowa Department of Public Health reports that the virus may have been passed along to the cat by several family members who had suffered from influenza-like illness. The cat was diagnosed with the virus at the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center |photo| at Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. 

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) are reminding pet owners that some viruses can pass between people and animals. Pet owners are encouraged to monitor their pets' health very closely and to visit a veterinarian if there are any signs of illness. The AVMA is actively tracking all instances of H1N1 in animals and posting updates at: www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus