New swine flu fear as virus found in dog

A dog in suburban New York is the first in the US confirmed to be carrying the same strain of swine flu that is infecting humans.

The diagnosis of the 2009 H1N1 virus was confirmed at two labs, American Veterinary Medical Association spokesman Michael San Filippo said today.

The 13-year-old mixed-breed male is recovering. He was taken to the Katonah Bedford Veterinary Centre in Bedford Hills on December 13.

Medical director David Sachs says he had the dog tested for swine flu because its owner previously had the virus.

Experts have said it appears the flu can spread from humans to animals but there is no evidence that humans can get it from pets. Cases have also been confirmed in pet cats and ferrets.