Aleutian disease in the ferret
Oxenham, M.
Veterinary Record 126(23): 585
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 2368310 Document Number: 367214
In January 1990, a 6-month-old jill ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was presented with acute posterior paresis and urinary incontinence. It was treated with chloramphenicol and betamethasone by injection but within 24 hours the condition had progressed to quadriplegia and the jill was killed. PM examination revealed no gross lesions. Histopathology demonstrated significant changes in the spinal cord suggestive of viral aetiology. The brain was normal. Blood serology using the counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP) test was positive for Aleutian disease (AD). Five of 7 other ferrets belonging to the same owner gave a positive CIEP test for AD. Another case of AD was confirmed 2 months later. This owner had 13 ferrets, 5 of which were also AD positive. A survey, in cooperation with the Wessex Ferret Club, showed that of 204 pet ferrets belonging to 49 owners, 11 (5.4%) were positive for AD in the CIEP test. Episodes of hindleg weakness or respiratory infection and weight loss had been seen in these positive ferrets. This is the first report of AD in the ferret in the UK.