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Aleutian 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.[wp_ad_camp_2]
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
Dark, tarry stools (due to the presence of blood)- Anemia
- Anorexia
- Enlargement of the liver or spleen
- Lethargy
- Tremors
- Weakness of the hindquarters, traveling from the back to the front
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More information about Aleutian Disease can be found on the following sites …
Aleutian Disease (Pet Care Veterinary Hospital)
Aleutian Disease in Ferrets (PetMD)
Ferret ADV (FerretADV.com)
Aleutian Disease Virus (ADV) in the Ferret (AFA)
Aleutian Disease (Pet Care Veterinary Hospital)
Aleutian Disease in Ferrets by Dr Adrian Deeney (NFWS)
Aleutian Disease by John Chitty, BvetMed CertZooMed Cbiol MlBiol MRCVS (NFWS)
Aleutian Disease Virus of Ferrets by Jerry Murray DVM (pdf)
Aleutian Disease in Ferrets by Susan Brown, DVM; Richard Nye, DVM (Veterinary Partners)
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.
Aleutian Mink Disease – A Hidden Danger to your Ferret (AFA)
Click to download this PDF file HERE.
(Last updated November 2019)
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.
