From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2004-12-01 21:49:41 UTC
Subject: RE: [ferrethealth] Whooping Cough and Strep Throat
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <4724932.1101937781961.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Veterinary pathologist, Dr. Bruce Williams asked me to pass this on:
Begin text of Dr. Williams:
Dear Kathy:
Whooping cough is caused by a bacteria, Bordetella pertussis. Ferrets and other small mammals can contract a similar agent, Bordetella bronchiseptica (part of the "kennel cough" complex, but Bordetella pertussis has not been identified in ferrets.
Ferrets have not been incriminated as a reservoir for Strep throat, like dogs have been (dogs can be asymptomatic carriers). It is likely that they might carry it, but it has never been investigated.
Bacteria are less species specific than viruses. While a ferret might be infected with a bacterial experimentally, that is far different than carrying a bacteria and transmitting it in an zoonotic fashion (to man). I would hat e to raise a red flag where there is no data to back it up. Ferrets have enough problems as it is.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, dVM