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Aleutian Disease in FerretsAleutian disease in ferrets, or ADV as it's also known as, is a parvovirus that was first discovered in mink, and has now affected ferrets in the US. There is no known cure or vaccine for the virus, which causes problems with the immune system. The transmission of aleutian disease in ferrets is through bodily excretions and fluids and, worrying for breeders, it can also be transmitted through the jill’s placenta to her kits. Transmission is possible via the air and even through contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus can also survive for a long period in the environment. It is common for ferrets to carry this virus without showing symptoms, and for them to transmit it to other ferrets. Some of the symptoms include
American ferrets can get the
ADV Antibody ELISA test
which is available from Avecon Diagnostics. It is especially recommended to check ferrets which are being considered as breeding stock or if moving ferrets from one house to another, so that there is no danger of spreading the disease.
A site called Ferret ADV has a lot of information about the disease and includes a discussion forum. There are also several links relating to ADV on the American Ferret Association website.
There's also an interesting article about ADV for English ferret owners on the
NFWS website
and a thought provoking site about the
"misconceptions about ADV (Aleutian Disease Virus) in Ferrets".
DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this page is not meant to replace seeing a veterinarian if you think your ferret is ill. It’s only meant to supply general information on a particular illness which was obtained either from personal experience with my sick ferrets, or from books and/or the Internet.
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Dark, tarry stools (due to the presence of blood)
