Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis (ECE) in Ferrets

Thank goodness, to date, no cases of ECE have been diagnosed in Western Australia or, as far as I am aware, in any other states of Australia.

This disease, which is similar to a disease which affects minks, was first seen in 1993.

ECE damages the intestinal wall lining, causing the animal to be unable to absorb nutrients and water into its system.

Some of the symptoms include:

Loss of appetite

Drastic weight loss

Dehydration

Green, watery diarrhea

Lethargy

Grainy stool

Vomiting (initially clear and watery)

It is highly contagious and can be transmitted easily. Ferrets can also be carriers of this virus without showing signs of any symptoms.

Should your ferret have severe diarrhea, get it to a vet as soon as possible.

If you can’t, get some Pedialyte (an electrolyte solution for babies) and get as much as you can into your ferret by using a clean eye dropper.

As a general rule of thumb, if your ferret weighs 700-800g, make sure it gets 70-80mls of electrolytes every day.

A Ferret Struggles With Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis, Or ECE by Karen Rosenthal, DVM, DABVP

Ferret ECE ("Green Mystery Virus") FAQ (Ferret Central)

Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis (ECE) by Michael F. Janke

The Scoop on the (ECE) Poop by Angela Espinet

Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis by Bruce Williams, DVM

Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis (ECE) in Ferrets by Judith A. Bell, DVM, PhD

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