Message Number: YG2041 | New FHL Archives SearchFrom: Linda Iroff
Date: Mon Apr 2, 2001 9:27am
Subject: re: ferrets and influenza
> I just had the worst case of the flu. While I was febrile we kept me
> quarantined from the fuzzbutts. Someone just told me she heard they
> don't get the flu, but colds are a concern. Anyone know which is of
> concern?
>
> Christopher
Ferrets are very susceptible to influenza viruses, but not the cold
viruses. However, ferrety flu symptoms are usually of the upper respiratory
type, and thus look more like colds.
When my daughter Joy got the flu a couple months ago, both my guys came
down with sneezing fits and nasal congestion. Energy levels were down a
bit, but no appetite problems. I gave them children's benedryl to help with
the sneezing, etc, for a few days and they recovered quickly.
Poor babies, I felt so sorry for them when they had a sneezing fit,
sneezing 6, 8 or even 10 times in a row. But it was so funny I couldn't
help but laugh too!
Linda Iroff
Oberlin OH
Send comments to Pam at pjdutche@email.unc.edu. Please note that this address is only useful for questions about the FHL archive. Questions about ferret health, or those intended for the FHL, should be sent to the Ferret Health List.