What samples should be obtained if I suspect a pet is infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus?
Based on current knowledge, we recommend collecting an oropharyngeal, tracheal or nasal swab. Serum should also be collected. The samples should be collected on a dried polyester fiber swab (e.g., Dacron™) or flocked swab (e.g., Copan) and placed in a sterile tube with a few drops of viral transporting medium or saline. Do not use bacterial transport medium. The first cat (Iowa) confirmed to be 2009 H1N1 influenza-positive was diagnosed based on testing of a sample obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) during anesthesia, indicating that BAL samples are also sufficient for testing.
