Ferret fun

Question 1

What common viral infections do you find in ferrets?

Answer 1

o Susceptible to canine distemper virus (transmission by aerosols)
o Human Influenza
o Epizootic catarrhal enteritis
o Aleutian disease virus (form of parvo virus)

Question 2

Why is it important entire female ferrets are mated?

Answer 2

Failure to mate results in prolonged period of oestrus for the duration of the breeding season. The constantly high levels of oestrogens can cause bone marrow suppression with leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and aplastic anaemia (deficiency of all blood cell types).
Ovariohysterectomy at 6-8 months of age is recommended for jills that are not to be bred. Entire female ferrets should not remain in heat longer than a month and ovulation should be induced by mating with a vasectomised male or by the use of hormones such as a proligestone injection before the start of the breeding season.