[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]