I heard on the radio today that all 50 states now are in "high pandemic" conditions. My whole family (including my 10 year old daughter) recieved the shot two weeks ago. We had to wait in line for 2.5 hours. Many places are totally out of the shot. Many local schools are giving the shot for free to students, after parents sign release forms. (We paid $15).

To date, this is the first cat confirmed infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus. Two ferrets, one in Oregon and one in Nebraska, have also recently been confirmed infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus. The Nebraska ferret died, but the Oregon ferret has recovered. To date, there is no evidence that the ferrets or the cat passed the virus to people.

The American Veterinary Medical Association and American Association of Feline Practitioners are reminding pet owners that many viruses can pass between people and animals, so this was not an altogether unexpected event. We are advising pet owners to monitor their pets � health very closely, no matter what type of animal, and visit a veterinarian if there are any signs of illness.

For more information, visit the AVMA �s H1N1 resources Web page: avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus.

Be Concerned, Not Panicked

The upshot is that we need to be concerned for our pets, but there �s no need to panic. Knowing that cats and ferrets are susceptible to the swine flu virus adds a heretofore unknown twist to the rapidly developing H1N1 story, but all it means is that you need to take precautions should you develop flu-like symptoms -- even with your pets.

It �s no surprise that the recommendations for reduced human to animal transmission are similar to those for preventing human to human transmission: Cough into your elbow, wash your hands before handling your pets and give them a wide berth until 24 hours post-fever.

Again, take into account that so far it appears as though only humans can transmit H1N1 to cats and ferrets. They haven �t yet given it to us, nor have we given the virus to dogs. Only time will tell whether this will remain the case. Here �s hoping that �s as far as H1N1 goes.