While owners of most pets do not need to worry about their pets contracting the latest H1N1 flu (also called swine flu), owners of pet ferrets do have reason to be cautious. Ferrets are generally susceptible to human influenza viruses (including influenza A viruses, a group of which the "swine flu" virus H1N1 is a member). Influenza viruses can be passed from people to ferrets (and vice versa), so it stands to reason that ferrets could be susceptible to the H1N1 virus that is causing so much concern right now. However, don't panic - no cases have been reported in ferrets at the time this was written. If your ferret exhibits symptoms of a respiratory tract infection, you should always contact your vet as soon as possible (whether there is a highly publicized flu outbreak or not). See Ferrets and the Flu for more information on influenza in ferrets. Also, Massachusetts Ferret Friends provides pointers on protecting your ferrets -- good advice to follow any time (with the possible exception of viewing every visitor as a possible flu carrier unless they are actually ill, but all visitors should wash their hands before coming into contact with your ferrets, too).
More about H1N1 flu (swine flu) and pets:
- Swine Flu and Pet Pigs - About.com Exotic Pets
- Can My Dog or Cat Get Swine Flu? - About.com Veterinary Medicine
- Cats Seem to Be Safe from Swine Flu - About.com Cats
- Can my Dog Get Swine Flu? - About.com Dogs
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