Reported By: Rob Hughes (rhughes@kswt.com)

Yuma, AZ November 5- H1N1 has defied the odds. Aside from birds and pigs, experts didn't think the Swine Flu Virus could spread to pets, until now.

The first confirmed case of H1N1 has been confirmed in a 13 year old cat in Iowa, and two ferrets, one in Oregon, and one in Nebraska. The cat and Oregon Ferret survived, but the Nebraska Ferret didn't. Experts say these are isolated cases, but more could follow.

The scientific community worldwide is shocked that H1N1 is spreading from humans to animals, after an Iowa cat allegedly got the virus from it's owners.

"This is the first case that we know of that at least appears to be, and this is really just circumstantial evidence, but it appears that the cat got it from the people, based on the people got sick first, and a week later the cat got sick," said Doctor Krista Gibson.

Gibson, a Scottsdale based veterinarian with Animal Medical Services, says this means that the virus ia moving airborne from people to animals.

"As far as we can tell, the transmission is just like any other flu, in fact just like the Swine Flu, which is just air exposure from other affected individuals," said Gibson.

There currently is not an H1N1 vaccine for pets, but Gibson believes if the virus begins to spread, maybe there should be.

"The first issue really is a public health issue; if it becomes apparent that this is a virus that our animals can carry and spread to us, then absolutely this sort of money and research will be warranted, even if they don't get sick from it, because we do," said Gibson.

In the meantime, Gibson says defend yourself and your pets by practicing good hygiene, keep your pets healthy, and avoid close contact if one of you has H1N1.

"If you do have H1N1, don't be snuggling and cuddling with your pets because that is one of the ways that we think it can be transmitted," said Gibson.

There have been no confirmed cases of H1N1 in dogs at this time. The CDC is keeping a close eye on the situation.