Aleutian Disease in Ferrets
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.
More information about Aleutian Disease can be found on the following sites …
I've added a pdf from the American Ferret Association which you can download if you're interested in reading more about this awful disease.
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)
