On October 5, 2009 , a client presented a ferret to a Portland, Oregon veterinary hospital with weakness followed by sneezing, coughing, and an elevated temperature. The client and her children had symptoms compatible with influenza and he ferret was tested for influenza. On October 8, 009, Oregon State University’s Diagnostic Laboratory presumptively diagnosed pandemic influenza H1N1 by PCR fro the nasal secretions of the ferret. On october 9, 2009, pandemic influenza H1N! was confirmed at the National Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The ferret is recovering.
Ferret owners should be cautious this flu season as ferrets are generally susceptible to influenza A viruses under which H1N1 is classified. If your ferret exhibits signs of respiratory illness or lethargy it should be seen by your veterinarian. As with people, treatment is supportive.
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