A congenital Toxoplasma-like disease in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)

Authors: Cook TG, Thornton RN
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 34, Issue 3, pp 31-33, Mar 1986
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Mustelid, Livestock, Wildlife
Subject Terms: Congenital disease, Reproduction, Protozoa, Disease/defect, Zoonosis, Infectious disease, Public health
Article class: Clinical Communication

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Abstract: Approximately 30% of 750 neqnatal farmed ferret kits died without observed clinical signs. The presence of multifocal necrosis associated with Toxoplasma-like organisms in the liver, lung and heart suggested a diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. Surviving animals from affected litters were stunted but showed no histological or serological evidence of Toxoplasma infection, nor could infection be demonstrated by mouse inoculation. The involvement of animals at one day of age indicated congenitally acquired disease.

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