Mustelids  and  SARS-CoV-2  (COVID-19)

With the global concern over SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), it's a good time for mustelid owners to learn about the transmission of zoonotic viruses in mink & ferrets, and how to keep our pets (and ourselves) healthy.

As Covid-19 research has progressed, we have learned that domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) and domestic mink (Neovison vison) are indeed susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Domestic ferrets are even currently being used as a model species for the development of a Covid-19 vaccination. While it does not appear that ferrets can easily contract Covid-19, ferret owners should still be vigilant and take proper precautions to protect their ferrets.

Mink owners should also be following these guidelines. There has been strong evidence in the Netherlands that domestic mink have actually passed Covid-19 to several humans. This has resulted in a complete transport ban of mink in the Netherlands, and has led to the culling of several farms where mink tested positive for Covid-19.

In addition, we also know that ferrets can contract Influenza from us, and spread influenza to us, so at the very least these precautions & tips should be helpful for dealing with influenza concerns in mustelids. Influenza in ferrets can be self-limiting (meaning they may recover on their own), however, it can also rapidly turn into pneumonia and become life-threatening to them. I've had it go through my ferrets, and it was quite scary to hear them cough and wheeze... I was up all hours caring for them (all made a full recovery).

The best thing you can do for yourself and your ferrets, is follow a few simple, standard precautions.

✓ Hand washing! Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20-30 seconds. Wash often, and wash well.

✓ If you live in a household with someone who is immune compromised or 50+ (or are yourself) have them take a few simple precautions- avoid close facial contact with the ferrets, don't handle the ferrets and then touch ones face, and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

✓ Get vaccinated for influenza each year if possible, especially if you are your ferrets primary caregiver. Because there are multiple strains of Influenza, getting the vaccine (usually limited to 1-2 strains) will not guarantee that you will not contract the flu, but it will reduce your chances of contracting it. The Covid-19 vaccine is still in development. *There is not an influenza vaccine available for ferrets, despite the fact that they were used in the development of influenza vaccines.

✓ During flu season, and currently during the concern over Covid-19, it is best not to add any new ferrets to your existing group of ferrets, not to arrange ferret play dates, and not to bring your ferret out in crowded public places, such as the pet store. You should limit your ferrets' contact with outside humans at this time as well.

✓ If you do choose to add a new ferret to your household at this time, please follow STRICT quarantine protocols: keep the new ferret completely separate from your existing ferrets, in a totally separate area of your home. Thoroughly wash your hands and even change your clothes after all interaction with the new ferret. Quarantine protocols should be followed for a minimum of 3 weeks. Setting up two separate cages in the same room is NOT true quarantine. Note: quarantine is especially important at this time, but did you know that it is good practice to always quarantine new ferrets/pets? New ferrets can bring home illnesses & make your existing ferrets ill. Some common issues include mites, influenza, and ECE.

✓ If you become ill, minimize contact with your ferrets as much as possible. No play times or close contact. Have another household member care for the ferrets while you are ill.

✓ If you are ill & are also the primarily/only ferret care taker, sanitize/wash your hands immediately before and after cleaning/feeding/watering. Wear a basic mask to help limit the spread of your germs, and minimize contact with your ferrets as much as possible. This may be a difficult period for both you and them, but it's important to stick with protocol. Note: wearing a basic mask helps reduce respiratory droplets that can increase the spread of viruses such as Covid-19 and Influenza. They are a beneficial tool, even if they do not stop spread 100%

FERRET & MINK COVID-19 NEWS!

Here are some news and science articles that can provide further information on ferrets, mink, and their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 & Influenza.

• An excellent article by Worms & Germs about susceptibility, transmission, and disease progression in ferrets: https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2020/03/articles/animals/other-animals/covid-19-and-ferrets/
• An article about Influenza and ferrets: https://www.thesprucepets.com/ferrets-and-influenza-1236790
• Article about the ferrets role in developing a Covid-19 vaccination: https://www.facebook.com/839199519617574/posts/1278871928983662/
• CDC Covid-19 guide for households with pets: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/interim-guidance-managing-people-in-home-care-and-isolation-who-have-pets.html
• An article from the National Geographic covering the evidence of humans contracting SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) from fur farm mink in the Netherlands: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2020/05/coronavirus-from-mink-to-human-cvd/?cmpid=org=ngp::mc=crm-email::src=ngp::cmp=editorial::add=SpecialEdition_20200522&rid=70557D41D45E12E10A53E264CB816AE4%C3%A0
• An article about the Netherlands banning the transport of all mink: https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/health/coronavirus/dutch-ban-transport-of-mink-after-farm-workers-infected-with-covid-19-1.4958975