[Chip, you're sending them to ferret-list@ocunix.on.ca... that's not here
at all.]
 
AMERICAN FERRET ASSOCIATION (AFA)                   April 7, 1993
HEALTH AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
SPECIAL MEDICAL ALERT
 
SEVERE DIARRHEAL DISEASE IN FERRETS
 
Over the past month, AFA has received reports of a severe,
highly transmissible diarrheal disease in domestic ferrets.
Reports of an estimated 17 deaths have occurred in the 50+
ferrets reported to have experienced the disease. Cases have
been reported from Virginia, North Carolina, and a possible case
(which survived) in Pennsylvania.
 
INITIAL SIGNS/SYMPTOMS:  Anorexia (lack of appetite), weight
loss, dehydration, which may become severe. Vomiting does not
appear to be an associated sign.
 
LATE SIGNS/SYMPTOMS:  Profound dehydration, weight loss,
diarrhea which is often greenish and watery; coma and death may
occur within 48 hours. In a few ferrets, deaths may have
resulted from other underlying conditions (endocrine tumors,
heart attack, etc.).
 
In the ferrets that have died, microscopic examination of the
intestines from several animals have shown changes that are
consistent with a viral disease which causes the cells lining
the intestines to die and which impairs the animal's ability to
reabsorb water and nutrients.
 
RECOMMENDATIONS:  THE RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW ARE FOR
INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS
VETERINARY ADVICE. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT FERRET OWNERS
CONSULT THEIR VETERINARIANS.
 
1. Isolate all animals exhibiting these signs and consult your
veterinarian.
 
2. Appropriate diagnostic evaluation for bacterial and protozoan
infections should be conducted.
 
3. Treatment consists of aggressive supportive care (clear
fluids, electrolyte replacement; antibiotics, as needed).
 
4. Infected cages, accessories and handler's clothing may be
disinfected by application of a 10% solution of chlorine bleach
for about 20 minutes. Rinse all equipment and items that may
come in contact with animals thoroughly before use.
 
5. Incubation period and route of transmission are unknown at
this time. For this reason, it is recommended that where
possible, all new incoming animals should be considered
infective and properly quarantined. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT NEW
ADDITIONS AND CONTACT EXPOSURE (E.G., AT FERRET SHOWS, CLUB
MEETINGS AND EVENTS) BE CURTAILED IN REGIONS WHERE ANIMALS HAVE
BEEN AFFECTED.
 
6. THOSE WITH INFECTED ANIMALS SHOULD RESTRAIN FROM CONTACT WITH
OTHER ANIMALS AND FERRET OWNERS UNTIL THE LAST ANIMAL INFECTED
HAS RESOLVED ITS INFECTION FOR AT LEAST 3 WEEKS.
 
7. Efforts are underway to determine the cause of this disease.
 
If you suspect infection, or have questions regarding the above,
please contact:
 
Freddie Ann Hoffman, M.D. (301-983-3187)
 
8. VETERINARIANS: If you have questions or would like additional
information about the diagnostic evaluation or treatment of
ferrets, please contact:
 
Bruce Williams, D.V.M.
Department of Veterinary Pathology
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
Washington, D.C. 20306-6000 (202-576-2453)
 
This Special Medical Alert is copyright (c) 1993 AFA. Permission
to reprint is granted as long as the complete text of this Alert
is included.
 
[Posted in FML issue 0452]