By Lindsey Doi

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. -- Household pets could be at risk for the swine flu. In fact, nine ferrets in Douglas County contracted the H1N1 virus from their human owners.

A Rice Hill resident says she and her daughter came down with the swine flu in mid-October, then their ferrets fell ill and tested positive for the H1N1 virus several weeks later. It's the second case in the state where humans have passed the virus to ferrets.

The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association says ferrets are generally susceptible to influenza a viruses like H1N1, but some vets say they're surprised the virus jumped species so quickly. However, veterinarians say nothing has been confirmed yet and it's still uncommon for pets to catch the swine flu.

Across the nation, at least one cat, several birds, and a number of ferrets have contracted the H1N1 virus, though owners say the nine ferrets in Rice Hill have since recovered. While there is no H1N1 vaccine for animals, the state public health veterinarian says the best way to protect your pets is to maintain good hygiene habits and to avoid close contact with them if you are sick.