Posted on November 03, 2009 by Nancy Houser

Not too long ago a dog was banned from a nursing home because the owner was told it can carry the H1N1 virus. Even though the CDC has informed everyone that the dog cannot carry the swine flu virus, there is no data to support where or not someone can catch it by touching a dog’s fur which has droplets of the flu on it. It is known, however, that an Oregon ferret owner has recently developed H1N1 flu through the pet ferret.

Since the swine flu is a highly mutating virus, it is best to remain highly cautious whether or not dogs can carry swine flu or dogs can carry swine flu on their fur. Watch for heavy breathing, a deep raspy cough, excessive raspy breathing, a fever, and a runny nose.

If this is observed, the dog should go to the vet immediately. Testing for the H1N1 flu is the only 100% guarantee that the dog does not have it. There is always some small chance that the mutated viruses of H1N1 can affect dogs, especially if it mutates again, and the family dog may be the first case.

Testing Dogs for DNA-Decoding to help with the Swine Flu

There are new testing methods going on at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Hinxton, UK, at a cost of $15 million dollars and involves an international team of scientists. Originally started in the sequencing of the domestic pig genome, the breakthrough group now involves an elite DNA-decoded species involving humans, chimps, cattle, rodents, and dogs. The genome is the full complement of an organism’s DNA.

The red Duroc pig is one of five major breeds used in pork production around the world and is one of about 200 breeds of domesticated pigs.

The study is about 98% complete to pinpoint genes useful in their involvement in immunity. It has been found that the swine is similar to humans in their makeup, and is used in human disease research ranging from obesity to skin disorders. Presently, the genome of the red-haired Duroc pig has been successfully decoded to begin the study.

This past summer for the first time in the U.S., six pigs were officially diagnosed with the swine flu. Located at the Minnesota State Fair, the U.S. Agriculture Department announced that the pigs caught the H1N1 from human visitors at the fair.

Related posts:

• Swine Flu – Can Dogs Catch It?
• Quick notes about dogs and swine flu
• Update on Swine Flu In Dogs
• Swine Flu, Dogs Included, Temporarily Controlled
• Swine Flu Pandemic and Dogs