(Saint Charles, Illinois)- According to the Center for Disease Control, (CDC) ultraviolet light (UV) can destroy Influenza (flu) viruses including the highly contagious strain H1N1.  PetAirapy, LLC., makers of portable and in-duct air purification and disinfectant units, uses powerful UV-C technology to help reduce the spread of the H1N1 Influenza virus.

“Monitoring our pets every move is a difficult option in preventing the virus from reaching our pets, but UV-C technology will reduce the H1N1 influenza virus and disinfect contaminated areas,” said Annette Uda, PetAirapy Founder.  “With the H1N1 virus now becoming increasingly popular among pets and not just humans, it’s important for families and pet care professionals to take the necessary steps to protect those important to them,” said Uda.

Humans aren’t the only ones affected by the H1N1 virus. Reports indicate the epidemic has now reached animals of all kinds including dogs, cats and small animals like ferrets and birds. The H1N1 virus is inter-transmittable between human and their animals which means animals and humans can give it to each other. On November 7, 2009 the first feline H1N1 case fatality was reported in Oregon.

With the recent cases of H1N1 influenza in pets on the rise, the best way to protect your animals from contracting the airborne H1N1 virus is to take preventative measures to destroy the virus before it reaches pets. The H1N1 is easily irradiated with proper dosage of UV-C technology found in all PetAirapy units.

PetAirapy units incorporate UV-C technology with their air filters to maximize allergy, virus and bacteria prevention in pets.  When the air passes through the portable unit, it first goes through the micro allergen filter to eliminate allergens like dust and pollen. It then passes through the UV-C light to neutralize bacteria, mold and microorganisms including reducing the pathogens of H1N1.

“The PetAirapy units work like none other by providing the right UV strength needed to kill this harmful virus where many other companies incorporating UV light simply do not provide,” said Uda.

Another hugely beneficial component to using UV-C technologies is that pathogens have not shown a resistance to the technology. The Air Institute of Respiratory Education states that UV lights may be the final line of defense against diseases that have developed a resistance to drugs.

“Ultraviolet Germicidal energy neutralizes and destroys invisible microbes that cause infection and disease. Even though these microbes are in an evolutionary race to become more drug resistant, there are no know pathogens resistant to a killing dose of UV germicidal energy, none. UV germicidal lamps have been used to control outbreaks of measles, mumps, flu and other airborne respiratory illnesses in schools and hospitals since the 1930’s,” said Medical News Today.

PetAirapy has combined the technology, quality, and proven research to develop the most effective solution to keeping pets happy and healthy, free of harmful pollutants and diseases.  Currently there is no licensed and approved H1N1 vaccination available for companion animals such as dogs, cats, and small animals.

For more information on PetAirapy’s use of UV lights to kill harmful viruses such as the flu and H1N1 or to view their complete line of air purification and surface disinfectant units for pets, visit www.PetAirapy.com.  Contact Jamie Brant Jamie@MassMediacc.com for all additional media inquiries regarding this press release.

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October 9, 2009 Oregon ferret tests positive for H1N1

October 20, 2009 Canada turkey flock tests positive for H1N1

October 29, 2009 6 pigs from the Minnesota State Fair test positive for H1N1

October 29, 2009 Nebraska ferret dies from H1N1

November 2009 10-year-old male cat in Oregon dies from the H1N1

November 4, 2009 13-year-old Iowa tests positive for H1N1

November 10, 2009 3 ferrets in Oregon test positive for H1N1

November 17, 2009 Utah cat tests positive for H1N1

November 18, 2009 Oregon cat dies from H1N1 infection

November 24, 2009 8 year-old female cat in Oregon dies from the H1N1

November 30, 2009 USDA confirms H1N1 influenza virus in Virginia turkey breeder flock

December 1, 2009 California cheetah tests positive for H1N1

December 4, 2009 2 cats from different households in Colorado test positive for H1N1

December 10, 2009 12-year-old cat in Pennsylvania dies from H1N1

December 21, 2009 13-year-old mixed breed male dog in New York is the first case of H1N1 found in a dog

December 28, 2009 8-year-old female cat in California tests positive for H1N1

To date, most animals infected with H1N1 became infected after their owners had been ill with flu-like symptoms. The spread of the virus can be prevented by washing hands, covering coughs, isolating sick individuals and going to the doctor or veterinarian when symptoms arise.