From:
miamiferret
Date: 2002-02-06 18:56:00 UTC
Subject: Re: What is Coccidia?
> What is it?
A single cell organism that infects cells of the intestine,
reproducing inside the cells, causing the cell to basically explode,
releasing more to infect other cells and continue the process.
> Where does it come from?
> How is it transmitted?
It is acquired by orally ingesting the (lets see if I get this right)
oocysts of the organism. This usually happens by contact with fecal
matter that is contaminated with coccidia. Just walking on
contaminated ground, then licking during grooming can result in
ingestion of the oocysts. It can also be contracted by eating a
critter that is infected with coccidia.
> How contagious is it?
Not sure, but since it's not airborne, separation of the animals
coupled with good sanitation until the infected animal is free of the
disease may help to prevent spreading.
> Is it fatal to ferrets?
I understand that it can be fatal in some cases. Very young ferrets
or ferrets that are compromised by other medical problems. Because
of the destruction of the intestinal cells, it causes profuse
diarrhea and the dehydration can be serious.
> Can if be transmitted from human to ferret or vice versa?
Toxoplasma is a species of coccidia and we all know about the
warnings for pregnant women and cat litter boxes. So that particular
species can be passed from animal to human. As Dr. Williams has said
in the past, Toxoplasmosis cannot be transmitted from ferret to
human, unless you eat the ferret, so it seems to depend on the host
animal too.
> How do you treat it?
It's my understanding that there is no medicine that will kill
coccidia. But there are drugs that inhibit reproduction of the
organism, allowing the body's immune system to take over and rid
itself of the infection.
mike