A Flu Warning for Ferret Caregivers

With ferret's being susceptible to type A influenza viruses, of which H1N1 is a member, we would like to pass on this cautionary information from the Oregon Veterinary medical Association.

Oregon Ferret Tests Positive for H1N1 Virus
On October 5, 2009, a client brought a ferret to a Portland, Oregon veterinary hospital. The ferret had been exhibiting weakness followed by sneezing, coughing, and an elevated temperature.

Because the client and her children previously had symptoms compatible with influenza, the attending veterinarian consulted with Dr. Emilio DeBess, Oregon State Public Health Veterinarian, and both agreed to test the ferret's nasal secretions for influenza.

On October 8, 2009, Oregon State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory presumptively diagnosed pandemic influenza H1N1 by PCR from the nasal secretions of the ferret. more...