>From: Tina Femea <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Ferrets and AIDS? >... mother is HIV+. ... What if she _does_ manage to bite Mom? Tina, I'm sorry to hear about your mother. You have my best wishes for her health. I am willing to bet a fortune that ferrets are not susceptible to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). It is extremely specific. I believe the "monkey aids" you are thinking of is actually SIV (simian immunodeficiency virus). As far as I know, only humans are affected by HIV. The rumors about it coming from African monkeys are only rumors. A veterinarian may be able to cite specific studies showing whether HIV is communicable to ferrets, but I'm only a biochemist. I would worry more about what your ferrets can give your immune compromised mother either through a bite wound or by kisses (mine love to give kisses on the mouth). Bests, Catherine [Posted in FML issue 1797]