Aleutian's Disease Virus (ADV)
What is ADV?
ADV is a highly contagious Parvovirus (composed mainly of protein DNA) with differing strains and strengths characterized by a persistent viral infection which causes a huge increase in antibodies found in the blood known as hypergammaglobulinemia, and has been around since the late 1960's. The antibodies combine with ADV and are deposited within tissues of multiple organs in the body causing inflammation. Unlike other viruses, the body is not able to initiate an effective immune response to fight the virus. The virus can very be spread through feces, urine, saliva and other body fluids as well as transmitted by human contact. Once clinical signs are present (renal failure, weight loss, splenomegaly, neurological symptoms like seizures and clotting abnormalities), disease will progress claiming the life of the ferret, usually within a few months.
ADV attacks the immune system and may eventually kill the ferret! There is no cure, no preventive vaccine, and any ferret can be a carrier. In fact, most ferrets appear fine until they are about to die, while spreading the virus.
Very little is known about the "carrier state", how long infection can last or whether the ferret can completely rid itself of the virus. For these reasons"ANY" ADV positive ferret is assumed to be able to shed the virus at any time. There is no way to know when, or if a ferret will develop this disease, nor is there anyway to know the severity or type of clinical signs. The majority of ferrets never develop obvious clinical, rather it is diagnosed post-mortem.
Signs and Symptoms
The combined antibodies/ADV particles spread within the tissues of multiple organs (kidneys, liver, spinal cord, bladder, etc.) resulting in inflammation. Within these inflamed tissues, there are two types of white blood cells that start to take over: plasmocytes & lymphocytes. If inflammation is severe, the ferret will show signs of a disease relating to the infected organ.
Ferrets most frequently present with ascending weakness(back to front), hind end weakness, lethargy, blood in stool, seizures, anemia, weight loss, enlargement of liver or spleen, etc. It's important to point out that all of these signs/symptoms are also found in other common illnesses as well, making the diagnosis very difficult.
Treatment
There are currently no treatment options available for this disease. The only things you can do is treat the clinical signs and provide the best supportive care to the ferret including: syringe feeding, fluid therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.
Precautions
There are a number of things you can do to reduce the chances of your ferret from contracting this disease:
Visit Ferret ADV for additional information
Copyright Ferret Universe 2000 - 2008©. All Rights Reserved.
ADV is a highly contagious Parvovirus (composed mainly of protein DNA) with differing strains and strengths characterized by a persistent viral infection which causes a huge increase in antibodies found in the blood known as hypergammaglobulinemia, and has been around since the late 1960's. The antibodies combine with ADV and are deposited within tissues of multiple organs in the body causing inflammation. Unlike other viruses, the body is not able to initiate an effective immune response to fight the virus. The virus can very be spread through feces, urine, saliva and other body fluids as well as transmitted by human contact. Once clinical signs are present (renal failure, weight loss, splenomegaly, neurological symptoms like seizures and clotting abnormalities), disease will progress claiming the life of the ferret, usually within a few months.
- There is currently "NO" cure or vaccine for this deadly disease!
- ADV can remain active in the household for up to two years or longer!
ADV attacks the immune system and may eventually kill the ferret! There is no cure, no preventive vaccine, and any ferret can be a carrier. In fact, most ferrets appear fine until they are about to die, while spreading the virus.
Very little is known about the "carrier state", how long infection can last or whether the ferret can completely rid itself of the virus. For these reasons"ANY" ADV positive ferret is assumed to be able to shed the virus at any time. There is no way to know when, or if a ferret will develop this disease, nor is there anyway to know the severity or type of clinical signs. The majority of ferrets never develop obvious clinical, rather it is diagnosed post-mortem.
Signs and Symptoms
The combined antibodies/ADV particles spread within the tissues of multiple organs (kidneys, liver, spinal cord, bladder, etc.) resulting in inflammation. Within these inflamed tissues, there are two types of white blood cells that start to take over: plasmocytes & lymphocytes. If inflammation is severe, the ferret will show signs of a disease relating to the infected organ.
- The exact mechanism which ADV affects the immune system is still "NOT" understood.
- Due to the immune system interference your ferret could be more susceptible to a host of other diseases.
Ferrets most frequently present with ascending weakness(back to front), hind end weakness, lethargy, blood in stool, seizures, anemia, weight loss, enlargement of liver or spleen, etc. It's important to point out that all of these signs/symptoms are also found in other common illnesses as well, making the diagnosis very difficult.
Treatment
There are currently no treatment options available for this disease. The only things you can do is treat the clinical signs and provide the best supportive care to the ferret including: syringe feeding, fluid therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.
Precautions
There are a number of things you can do to reduce the chances of your ferret from contracting this disease:
- Test all ferrets in the household, especially any new ones coming in, and retest in 6 months to be sure of negative results.
- Do not allow your ferret to come into contact with any other ferret if you do not know their ADV status.
- When handling other ferrets (shows, pet stores, breeders, shelters, friends, etc.), do NOT come into contact with your ferret until your hands are thoroughly sanitized, and all clothing is removed and washed with Parvocide.
Visit Ferret ADV for additional information
Copyright Ferret Universe 2000 - 2008©. All Rights Reserved.