Aleutian disease, also known as mink plasmacytosis, is a condition caused by a parvovirus. First identified in ranch-raised mink in 1956, it was named for their “Aleutian” gun-metal grey coat color. While initially thought to be a genetic issue, it is an infectious disease affecting various mustelids. The primary animals of concern are mink and domestic ferrets, in which the virus triggers a complex and ultimately detrimental immune response.
Transmission and Susceptible Species
The Aleutian disease virus (ADV) is highly contagious and is present in all bodily fluids of an infected animal, including saliva, urine, and feces. Transmission occurs through direct contact with an infected animal or indirectly through contact with contaminated objects like cages, bedding, food bowls, or the hands of handlers.
This virus is resilient and can persist in the environment for extended periods, making sanitation a challenge. While mink and ferrets are the most common hosts, other mustelids like otters, polecats, and martens are also susceptible. The virus has also been found in other carnivores such as skunks and raccoons.
Symptoms and Disease Progression
The clinical presentation of Aleutian disease is highly variable, and its progression differs between animals. The classic form is a chronic illness where infected animals exhibit gradual weight loss, or “wasting,” despite a normal appetite. Lethargy and an unhealthy-looking coat are also common early indicators.
As the disease advances, more specific and severe signs may develop. Weakness in the hind legs is a frequent neurological sign, which can progress to partial paralysis. Some ferrets may develop tremors, particularly affecting the head. Signs of organ damage include black, tarry stools (indicating gastrointestinal bleeding), pale gums from anemia, and an enlarged spleen or liver.
A significant aspect of Aleutian disease is the existence of asymptomatic carriers. Many ferrets can be infected with the parvovirus and show no outward signs of illness for years. These animals can still shed the virus, posing a risk of infection to other susceptible animals and making control of the disease difficult.
Veterinary Diagnosis and Care
When Aleutian disease is suspected, a veterinarian will perform a physical examination and take a detailed history. A definitive diagnosis relies on specific laboratory tests that detect the body’s response to the virus. Common diagnostic tools are blood tests that look for antibodies against ADV, including the Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CEP) and ELISA tests. High levels of gamma globulins in the blood are also a strong indicator.
There is no cure for Aleutian disease, so all veterinary care is supportive. This care is aimed at managing the symptoms and improving the animal’s quality of life. This approach is tailored to the individual’s condition and the specific organs affected.
Supportive treatments may include anti-inflammatory medications like prednisolone to reduce the immune system overreaction that causes organ damage. Nutritional support with high-calorie dietary supplements is used to combat wasting. Antibiotics may be prescribed to manage secondary bacterial infections.
Prevention and Control Measures
Preventing the spread of Aleutian disease is centered on strict biosecurity protocols. For owners bringing a new ferret into a home, testing is a foundational step. Any new animal should be tested for ADV before being introduced to other ferrets, especially because of the risk from asymptomatic carriers.
A strict quarantine period for any new ferret, typically for several weeks, is recommended even after a negative test. During this time, the new animal should be housed separately with no shared spaces or equipment. Rigorous hygiene is necessary, including the disinfection of cages and supplies with cleaning agents effective against parvoviruses.
In environments with multiple animals, such as shelters or breeding facilities, these control measures are scaled up. Routine testing of the entire group can help identify and isolate infected individuals to stop an outbreak. Because there is no vaccine available, these preventative strategies are the only reliable way to protect ferrets.