An anonymous poster reported on a web site in New Zealand that talks about
tuberculosis in ferrets.  I checked out the site, and it appears to be a
valid issue.  It's important to clarify that the tuberculosis discussed here
is bovine tuberculosis, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis.  (As
the "bovis" in the name implies, this bacterium is infectious in cattle.)
The bug that causes human TB is different: Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
However, humans can become infected with M.  bovis.  Usually it's not a
problem to treat unless the person has an immune deficiency like AIDS.
There's even an attentuated version of the M.  bovis bacterium that is used
as a vaccine against the human form of TB, although the vaccine is not used
in the United States.
 
Does this mean your little fuzzbutts can infect you with M. bovis?
 
I'll give that a qualified "yes." There have been case reports of ferret
owners infected with the bacterium by pet ferrets.  This has only occurred
following bites, and I suspect humans are generally resistant enough against
the bovine infection to avoid catching it through the same air your ferrets
breathe.  Mustelids overall are known to be susceptible to M.  bovis
infection, but I can't imagine that it's ever seen by most vets over the
entire course of their practice.  (Any vets on the FML want to verify that?)
Both types of mycobacterium infection are easily detected.  If you worry
whether you have M.  bovis, ask your physician for a "PPD" skin test for
TB--it works for either type of infection and M.  bovis is easily treated in
humans, even if it does take a few months.  If your ferrets are house pets I
wouldn't even worry about the risk.
 
   --Jeff Johnston ([log in to unmask])
[Posted in FML issue 1782]