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A hidden danger to your ferret
What is Aleutian Mink Disease Virus?
Aleutian Mink Disease Virus, or ADV, is a parvovirus that infects minks, ferrets, raccoons, skunks, and possibly other Mustelidae. Currently, there is no evidence that it can infect other mammals out side the Mustelidae family. Because it is a parvovirus, it is hardy and can live outside the body of a host for a long time. To kill the virus, one must use a parvocide or a 10% bleach solution. Because it is a virus it can mutate. Currently it is known that there are at least 5 strains of ADV 6that can infect mink. It is believed that there are also multiple strains of ADV that can affect ferrets. Like different strains of the flu in humans, some strains of ADV may be more contagious and more deadly.
Why is ADV a danger to my ferrets?
The greatest danger of ADV is that an animal can have the disease and be spreading it without showing any symptoms. Also there has not been a lot of research done on how the disease acts in ferrets.
Therefor, at this time, it is unknown what the incubation period is or what the shedding period is. ADV can be either active or non active.
How is ADV spread?
ADV is passed via saliva, feces, urine, and in the placenta. Some studies in Europe have indicated that the virus may also be airborne. The most likely means of spreading the disease is by contact with contaminated surfaces. One study of ADV in mink had mink that tested positive for ADV housed in cages nears the cages of mink that tested negative for ADV. The virus was not transmitted to the mink that had tested negative. In another study in the U.S., three ferrets that tested positive for AVD were housed in a cage with a ferret that tested negative. After 4 month the ferret still tested negative.
What are the symptoms of ADV?
In ferrets, the symptoms of ADV can mimic many other ailments. Symptoms can include a chronic progressive wasting, progressive hind end paralysis, muscle wasting, tremors, urinary incontinence, lethargy, pallor, enlarged spleen, terry feces, and death. Active ADV causes massive dysfunction of the immune system, with the accumulation of plasma cells in various organs, and the presence of massive amounts of antibodies in the blood stream, which cause vascular degener5ation and inhibit clotting. Over time these changes will become more serious, and usually begin to affect the function of the liver and kidneys. Most ferrets with active ADV die of liver or kidney failure at the end of the disease.
How do I know if my ferret has ADV?
Currently there are two ways to test for the presence of antibodies to ADV. Both methods are fast, easy and relatively inexpensive. The most widely used test is the Counterimmunoelectrophoresis, or CEP test. A blood test by the United Vaccines, Inc. in Madison, WI, which requires a small blood sample that can actually be obtained and sent in by the ferret owner. The other is the ELSIA test, which requires a small amount of saliva. This test is offered by Avecon Diagnostics, Inc. and can also be obtained and sent in by the ferret owner.
It should be noted that none of these tests can predict whether or not your ferret will actually become sick with ADV or if it will even spread the disease. The tests only show the presence of antibodies to the ADV. Antibodies are what the immune system builds to fight a virus, so a positive test only shows exposure to the disease. In fact, studies have shown that only small percentage of ferrets that have tested positive for ADV will actually become clinically sick from the disease.
How can I avoid exposing my ferrets to ADV?
ADV is not a new disease. It has been around for over 50 years. In the past, There have been sporadic increases in the active cases reported which are usually followed by several years of ferret owners taking extra precautions to avoid spreading the disease. Recently, there has again been an increase of active ADV cases, and so it is wise for ferret owners to be more careful.
To help avoid exposure of your animals, you mostly need to use common sense. Do not turn your ferrets loose around untested ferrets. Do not allow strangers to handle your ferrets and do not handle a strangers ferrets. At the veterinarian’s office, keep your ferrets in a caged until you reach the examination room. When attending ferret shows or frolics with yo0ur ferrets, make sure the organizers are following sensible sanitation procedures. When getting a new kit make sure the breeder tests the parents once a year. By taking a few precautions you can eliminate problems down the road.