Hi everyone,

I just got off chat with one of the members of Clubmedferrets. She
lives in MI. Her son is just now getting over the H1N1 flu. She entered
the ferrets room tonight and hearing a strange noise, thought her dog
was snarling. It was a ferret, unable to breath or get breath. She has
10 ferrets.

Susan from the Arkansas Shelter is battling the same symptoms in her
shelter. To date she has lost at least 3 of her babies in a couple of
days;(

In Samammish Washington (near Seattle) my 4 year old granddaughter got
it and within 2 days her daddy and my newly pregnant D/I/L had it.

With humans it presents the same symptoms. Very high fever and horrible
respiratory symptoms. (unsure of the ferrets temps at this point)

Am I sure this is H1N1?

No...

But if it quacks like a duck it usually is.

My D/I/L's prenatal specialist has seen only H1N1 in his patients. He
has seen a lot.

I was wondering if anyone else is seeing this in their ferrets? Maybe
we should find someone to research and document this? We read here that
a ferret has tested positive in Oregon for H1N1. No matter how careful
you are, this spreads like wildfire. It comes on suddenly and without
warning.

If you have a ferret or ferrets exhibiting symptoms please report it
here? I have an idea it may be more prevalent than we realize.

Please, anyone with experience with ferrets and flu ... Please offer
advice on supportive care?

I had my friend contact Barbara Clay and although she would be happy
to help everyone I'm sure, its just not feasible.

I don't want to scare anyone but I honestly feel we need to talk about
this if we are affected by it. Maybe we can put together something as
advice for anyone going through this? The more knowledge the better
and this is a wonderful place to compile it.

Sending healing Prayers and love,
Tara

[Posted in FML 6503]