>From:    Edward Lipinski <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: FERRET KISSES & HIV/PIV=AIDS
 
Diverging a bit from pure ferrets but not too far we hope.
 
>The two kinds of virus appear to be animal and human
 
Among the several kinds.  Basically all the 'X'IV are rather species (or
closely related species anyway) specific.  Cats can't catch from monkeys nor
monkeys from cats for example.  Likewise SIV (simian) will not pass through
humans.  HIV has been seen in only one chimp we've been informed.
 
Saliva is not widely believed to be a transmission path for HIV so ferret
kisses are not a problem.  Perspiration is not a source either.  Its blood.
Just blood.  Well okay semen and breast milk.  We don't need to get to
graphic as that is not about ferrets at all.  Now if an infected person were
to bleed on a ferret...
 
>consequent expectoration of his saliva
 
You spit on your ferrets?  We don't.  You will NOT transmit AIDS by letting
a ferret kiss an infected person and an uninfected person.  A direct kiss
won't pass it between people so an indirect kiss won't either.
 
>Perhaps the conclusion to this diatribe is to warn the adopter of a ferret,
>formerly owned by a deceased/living HIV/AIDS subject, don't let the ferret
>lick you anywhere on your person, PERIOD.  If bitten, oh woe is you.
 
We have absolutely no fear of contracting HIV from a ferret that once did
anything you chose to imagine with an HIV positive human.  There are only a
very few things you can do with an infected person to risk infection.
 
>Since this anthropomorphic behavior is prevalent with ferret owners, does it
>seem reasonable to assume that the probability of H/A/H transmission of HIV
>is higher than would be otherwise expected in the general population?
 
Uh... No.  There is NO transmission of HIV through animals.  Its not even
believed to pass through mosquitoes which directly intake blood.  Animals
are in no way part of the passing of the HIV virus.
 
>Pity the poor shelter manager who has two ferrets; one from an HIV/AIDS
>owner, and another, not from an HIV/AIDS owner.  Which one is likely to be
>chosen by the adopter coming to your shelter?  Is there any need for my
>answer?
 
Well a knowledgeable person as an adopter will not use that as a criterion
in selection.  An uneducated person might have a problem.  The problem is
education so teach.  We always disclose as much as we can about a shelter
ferrets background but not with the expectations that ignorant beliefs will
affect adoption too much.
 
bill and diane killian
zen and the art of ferrets
http://www.zenferret.com/
mailto:[log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 1831]