Three More Ferrets Infected with H1N1 Virus

The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) has reported that 3 more ferrets have tested positive for the H1N1 virus. The ferrets were part of a household of 9 ferrets, and it is suspected that all may have had the virus.

The ferrets became ill about a week after the human family had an "influenza-like illness." The ferrets did not all become ill at the same time, but when sick, they presented with fevers above 103F (normal for ferrets is 100 to 103°F or 37.7-39.4°C), sneezing, coughing and nasal discharge.

All ferrets and humans have recovered uneventfully. Read OVMA press release

Virus confirmation
According to the AVMA, the H1N1 samples were confirmed as follows: "Nasal discharge samples were collected on Oct 27th and were later reported as positive for Influenza A. Further testing at NVSL confirmed the isolates as pandemic influenza H1N1. All 9 ferrets have recovered well." Read news brief

A total of 4 ferrets have tested positive in Oregon to date, the first ferret H1N1 case was confirmed on 9 October 2009. That ferret recovered as well.

Related Resources - H1N1 and Pets

• Frequently Asked Questions by Veterinarians about 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus
  From the AVMA
• Frequently Asked Questions about the 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus and Pets
  From the AVMA
• H1N1 and Animals News Archive
  From Veterinary Medicine at About.com

Photo: Princess Buttercup the Ferret by GenGlo on Flickr

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