Canine distemper is a contagious viral disease that can infect many types of mammals, including members of the Canidae, Procyonidae, and Mustelidae families. Canine distemper is caused by an RNA paramyxovirus that is often spread through contact with infected body fluids, fomites (shoes, clothing, inanimate objects, etc.) and airborne. Although the virus that causes canine distemper is not very

stable in the environment, it still can be brought home to your ferret from any contaminated material you may encounter throughout your day. It takes 7 to 10 days for clinical signs to develop once a ferret has been infected by the canine distemper virus. Non-approved vaccines for protection against canine distemper virus can occasionally give ferrets canine distemper, and should be avoided. Fortunately there are vaccines available that are approved for use in ferrets.

Typical presentation of canine distemper in ferrets is a mild conjunctivitis, and a green/yellow eye discharge. There usually is a thickening and reddening of the skin, especially around the chin, lips, and inguinal region. After a few days pass the affected areas of skin can progress into thick crusts; as well as fever, lethargy, diarrhea, seizures, depression, and loss of appetite can occur during that time. In addition, the footpads become extremely thickened and hard, as is often found with infected canines. Death can occur usually due to secondary bacterial infections or by damage to the central nervous

system.

A ferret is diagnosed with canine distemper when there is a presentation of clinical signs and supporting antibody test confirmation. Canine distemper antibody titers can be performed, and a positive result indicates prior exposure to the virus (either via infection or by vaccination). A

fluorescent antibody test detects the presence of the virus using special antibodies that fluoresce when attached to the virus. This test is used to determine between infection and vaccination exposure.

Unfortunately at this time there is no treatment for canine distemper in the ferret. Occasionally an affected ferret can survive the disease, but many have to be humanely euthanized. Treatment consists of; antibiotics, supportive fluids, assisted feeding, antibody transfusion, and extensive nursing care.

Due to the severity of some of the clinical signs a full recovery does not always occur. If the brain is affected by the virus, some behavioral changes may be seen. In multi-ferret households it is advised

to separate any ferrets showing clinical signs of canine distemper and bring them to the veterinarian

immediately for treatment. Any ferrets at home not demonstrating any clinical signs should be brought to the veterinarian to be vaccinated with an appropriate ferret canine distemper virus vaccine. The canine distemper virus can be destroyed and removed from environmental surfaces with a 1:10 parts bleach solution.

The recommended vaccine to help prevent canine distemper infection in the ferret is the Purevax® Ferret Distemper Vaccine (produced by Merial). Vaccines are given to help bolster the animal’s immune system by providing the stimulation to create antibodies that will later recognize and fight of infection. There is no full guarantee that a ferret is protected after vaccination, as there are many reasons for vaccine failure to occur. At this time it is recommended to have your ferret vaccinated for canine distemper virus each year. Working alongside your veterinarian a proper vaccine protocol can be developed for your ferret dependent on their exposure levels to the virus.