It can cross over from species to species, but it is not common for it to do so to dogs and almost unheard of in cats. Cats are generally not suceptible to any influenza (the H5N1 is the first one that I know of, now this H1N1, however, that does NOT mean that these are linked).

A virus has to mutate quite a bit to jump species. Pigs are excellent mixing vessels because they are suceptible to straight avian, straight human, and straight swine flu. These can combine and make a virus that can infect all three of those species. However, a swine flu would have to change to infect a dog, for example.

However, a dog, a cat, a horse, etc the virus would have to either recombine with an influenza that is already suited to that animal OR make a major leap. There are "zoonotic" viruses, but not every virus can or does infect humans and animals, and it generally requires quite a leap.

Oh for Crying Out LOUD!

It's a virus. It can cross over from species to species which is how bird flu is spread. It's already spread to a cat and ferrets. Not sure why it has not spread to a dog but I don't see why not--via the dog licking a person and the person not washing their hands immediately thereafter--a pretty common occurence--If it can be transmitted to other domestic mammals, I think dogs are a real possiblity

How does a dog get the swine flu? And wouldnt you have to come in contact with this dog to get the flu from it? Dont play with strange dogs coolguy and if the dog comes around you make sure it coughs in it elbow. Oh yeah dont eat yellow snow it might have the swine flue mixed in with it.

Hey editor where are the other comments? I see only 7 here when it says 11 comment have been made?

Just goes to show that Fbk is a pretty dirty place.

anon. poster @ 12:45 - judging from the results of the 'War on Terror', and the 'War on Drugs', the nation could have a death-toll of 40,00, or 100,00, if there was a 'War on H1N1' delared.

Why does the media choose to ignore the controversy about the vaccine? There are health officials worldwide who have grave concerns about this vaccine. Check it out and decide. This doctor, for example, says the shot is toxic. He recommends vitamin D.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlAPXPZdlGM

This same 'story' runs over and over. There are no details and never word about the very real controversy about the vaccine. Many health officials around the globe have a problem with it. This man says it is toxic. Who is telling the truth?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlAPXPZdlGM

1Coolguy:

I'm interested to see you site your "facts" as I think you find yourself very misinformed.

Anonomys:

Common Folks? I'm offended by your stupidity.

1CoolGuy

Then why isn't it prevalent in Anchorage, whee they also have an Air Force and Army base?

The answer: your theory is wrong.

That is all.

Since suspending our constitutional rights and spending billions upon billions for war on terror has been such a success we should now consider doing the same for swine flu. After all the swine flu now kills many more Americans than terrorism and slightly more than collisions with dear on rural roads.

Common folks, you were all so kill happy when it came to the war on terror, you even re-elected Bush. Why not the same reckless unabashed enthusiasm when it comes to a far more deadly threat. of swine flu?

1CoolGuy, where are you getting info that dogs are carriers? So far, 9 ferrets and 1 cat nationwide have developed H1N1. There may be confusion since there is a "canine influenza" -- that is a different virus and has been around since 2004.

Do a Google search for "H1N1 dogs" -- I don't see any info that dogs have contracted or are carrying H1N1.

The CDC has info on this, scroll down to "Companion Animals": http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

And how many people who have a compromised immune system have also died from the regular flu or cold during the same time?

I wish the DNM would ask and answer interesting questions like that.

Troops coming back from Iraq / Afghanistan have it and it spreads to dogs, who are a carrier.

The people and dogs are out in public and others catch it.

That's why it is so prevalent in Fairbanks.

Let's find out WHEN those who died contracted it.

Also, the Army should be thoroughly testing the troops, their families and dogs for the virus immediately!!!

Employers should be sending people home that are ill. I understand about wages, so help people and the community out and pay them for being out for a couple of days. I know the almighty dollar runs our lives, but I don't want to be exposed to people's bugs out of misguided work ethics. It is NOT alright to go to work/stores sick and spread your bugs. I see this happening all the time, and for an employer that offers sick leave!

When reports are published about these deaths, the "underlying health conditions" are not disclosed. I can understand if they don't want to release the person's name, but can't they tell us what the pre-existing conditions were? A lot of people are likely in the same boat, and perhaps there is more of a connection.