News Flash !!!!

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Do we need to worry about our

pets and swine flu?

It's been said that dogs & cats do not have the same receptors as humans so the answer to your question is no swine flu. However, caution is always a good idea when thinking about the members of your family, including the four-legged ones (or feathered). Upon further investigation, the concensus seems to be that there is no absolute answer to the question of whether or not dogs and cats can contract the virus. Viruses change, but historically there are no known dog/cat to human (or vice-versa) influenza transmissions.
According to Dr.Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM, there are two types of influenza viruses: Type A and Type B. The Type A viruses are found in humans and many types of animals, usually strains specific to that species. The type B viruses circulate widely just among humans. The H1N1 virus is a type A.
Dogs and cats do have their own versions of influenza viruses, both Type A. The canine influenza virus is an influenza Type A H3N8 virus, and the feline version is Type A H5N1 influenza virus. Thankfully, there have not been any reports of any cases that have spread to humans or from humans to pets. Humans and domestic pets are not similar enough a species to share these viruses in their current forms.
So, even thought there is no current evidence that dogs and cats can contract swine flu, this is a new strain of virus, and investigators can’t rule it out until more tests are done.
In the past, the avian H5N1 flu has infected domestic cats and at least one dog in Thailand, according to the scientific literature. In 2004, the equine H3 virus appeared to infect dogs. There have been no reports of dogs or cats spreading the flu to people.
The ASPCA also assures us that it is very unlikely that the A/H1N1 virus can infect dogs or cats. The ability of any virus to cross species barriers and sustain transmission is dependent on many factors and occurs infrequently. Like all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change constantly. Swine are unique in that they are able to host both avian and mammalian influenza viruses. Ferret owners should be aware that ferrets do seem more susceptible to many human influenza viruses, so keep a close eye on your pet ferrets.

Mt Redoubt info

http://avo.alaska.edu/

Here are some sites for info. 

this one has pet specfic info

 http://www.muni.org/oem/volcanic%20ash%20alert.cfm

Actions to Take before & after ash fall

http://volcaneos.usgs.gov/ash/todo.html#business