Did you get your flu shot yet? (I did, last week.) There’s no flu vaccine for ferrets, but did you know that our fuzzies are very capable of contracting influenza from us, their human owners?
Last week what was believed to be the first naturally transmitted case of H1N1 from a human to a ferret was documented in Oregon (the news article is here). It’s not too huge of a surprise, since ferrets have long been test subjects for human influenza because of our similar respiratory systems, but it is a big reminder that your two-legged household members are not the only ones at risk this flu season! Ferrets cannot only catch H1N1, they can catch other types of influenza A from humans, too.
A ferret with the flu will experience the same symptoms as a person, like a runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever. If you have the flu or know you’ve been exposed to it, make sure to wash your hands before handling your fuzz, and limit close contact with him until it’s cleared up. Ask someone else to handle ferret chores, if possible. If you suspect your ferret has caught it, it’s best to make a trip to the veterinarian to make sure it isn’t anything more serious.
If your ferret has been diagnosed with influenza, your vet will probably recommend lots of water and duck soup to keep him hydrated. It’s important to make sure he keeps eating, even if he doesn’t feel good. Wash all your ferret’s bedding and disinfect his cage and play areas, and quarantine him from any other ferrets (this is one of those situations that makes having a small “travel” or “sick” cage a great idea). Again, be sure to wash your hands before and after handling him!
A ferret in otherwise good health will usually make a fine recovery with just a little TLC. However, it’s possible for the flu to progress to pneumonia, a much more serious ferret illness, so take your ferret to your vet right away if discharge from the eyes or nose turns yellow or green, or if he’s coughing or having trouble breathing. Your ferret may require subcutaneous fluids and a course of antibiotics.
Here’s to good health for you and your pet family, too!
Other Articles You Might Find Interesting:
- Agility Trial Day 2: The Unexpected (Lyme Disease!)
- Ferret Poo Patrol: A Dirtier Job
- Ferret Phenomenon: SND (Sleeping Not Dead)
- Household Hazards For Pets
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Thank you for this article & info. I was wondering if pet’s could get this illness from humans. You’ve answered a lot of questions! Thank you again!