Message Number: YG5512 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-07-14 23:07:00 UTC
Subject: Re: fish and ferrets

> There was an article in Modern Ferret about a ferret that got sick
from
> drinking aquarium water.


I remember the case, as I was consulted on it. Giardia is a common
parasite of fish, resulting in no clinical signs, but lives in large
numbers in most aquairums.

In ferrets, Giardia has been incriminated in causing diarrhea.
(However, it may also be seen in ferrets with no clinical signs.)
But to be on the safe side, I always recomment that aquaria be
covered.

Fish are also commonly affected with mycobacteria, which can in rare
cases be passed on to ferrets who chew them up. While the
possibility is remote, it is also a reason not to allow the ferret
free access to the fishtank.

With kindest regards,

Bruce Williams, DVM