PJBoosinger

H1N1 has been identified in 2 dogs in China.  Well, it isn't in the US but it sure means we now KNOW it can happen.  Unlike the reports we get here in the US, the Chinese didn't presume that the virus came from a human; they didn't speculate that it was somehow less likely that the dogs could pass the virus back to humans.  No comforting and nonsense mixed in with the facts, the news.  How refreshing!

Oops, I take it back.  "The animals were diagnosed in Beijing and, while it is possible for pets to transfer viruses to their owners, scientists said there is no evidence to suggest pets are already spreading the illness.  'If animals can get infected from humans, then the reverse is also true,' said Feng Zijian, director of emergency response for the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention."  Somebody from the US got to them :)  And the waffling begins...

December 1, 2009
A cheetah in California has tested positive on preliminary tests for 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Confirmatory tests are pending. We are in communication with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) and will post additional information and resources when they become available. Zoos remain safe to visit; however, it is in the best interest of everyone that people with flu-like illness avoid visiting public places until they have recovered from their illness.

Don't let that "December 1, 2009" date fool you.  It appears this cheetah was confirmed at the same time as the cat that died.  With H1N1 still on the front pages, why are these 2 stories running under the radar?  Because it means all our pets are at risk just like we are for starters.  A cheetah in a zoo?  At the risk of pointing out the obvious, unless some human was being allowed to cuddle that cheetah, that one means we're all at more risk than the veterinarians imply when they say to hand wash and not cuddle your pets if you have the flu.  Clearly that one means it doesn't require any where near as close of contact/exposure.

Italy has reported yet another mutation.  (FYI: there have been several, all played down by the media despite multiple deaths.)

In South Korea, the news is about the possibility of re-infection with H1N1.  You can get it more than once.  Ain't that great?  So much for life long immunity.  Kinda leads to the conclusion that a vaccine may not provide immunity either.

I'm trying hard not to be "overly concerned" about H1N1 but I'll admit it's starting to get difficult about now.

I can't believe I'm having to read English versions of Chinese news to get information!  Oh, well, I guess the US media was busy chasing the Tiger Woods "incident", er, that thing that turned out to be the simple accident it originally was reported by the driver to be and much ado about NOTHING.