(10/29/2009)
By Ginger ten Bensel
Several Nebraskans have died from complications of the H1N1 Virus. Countless others have gotten sick. Now we are hearing from one Hastings family who said their pets have gotten sick. One of them has died.
Four members of the DeVoll family came down with the flu three weeks ago. They are recovering. The outcome was not so good for their pet ferret. The family has 4 ferrets. All the animals became sick with H1N1 when family members did. Ferrets have the same respiratory system as humans. That allows them to get the virus. Birds and pigs can get it as well.
The DeVoll family said they had no idea their ferrets were at risk. "It was definitely a shock it was unexpected. I just never thought that Stormy would die from the H1N1," said Kristine DeVoll. The state public health veterinarian said it is not unexpected, but it is rare. Only 2 ferrets in the nation have died from H1N1. That includes Stormy.
"The respiratory system of ferrets and people are quite similar and they are used as a laboratory model for influenza virus research in humans," said Dr. Annette Bredthauer. Testing was done by the University of Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Lab where the ferret tested positive for H1N1. Now a sample has been forwarded on to the National Lab in Ames, Iowa for confirmation. Dr. Bredthauer went on to say the H1N1 virus does not affect dogs and cats. So those pets are safe.
