Aleutian Disease

Aleutian Disease (AD) is a contagious and potentially fatal viral illness that affects mink and ferrets. Originally diagnosed in ranch mink in the 1940s, Aleutian disease was named after the Aleutian mink, which seemed to develop the most serious form of the disease. Early studies revealed that AD was caused by a type of parvovirus, and the majority of illness was related to the body’s response to the invading virus and not the actual viral infection itself.

Whenever foreign material enters the body, the immune system is stimulated and attempts to destroy and eliminate the invaders. Parvovirus is no exception. When the virus enters the body, special proteins, called antibodies, are formed. These proteins attach to the viral particles to help the rest of the immune system recognize and destroy the invading virus. Antibodies specific to the parvovirus are then formed and circulate through the body. Unfortunately, these antibodies are not very effective in destroying the virus. Instead, they bind to the viral particles, and form immune complexes.

These immune complexes circulate through the body and eventually are deposited in various organs, resulting in signs of illness. Since a variety of organs can be affected, the signs of illness vary widely.

Ferrets affected with Aleutian Disease show vague signs of illness including weight loss, lethargy, anemia, paralysis of the rear legs, tremors, breathing difficulty and/or black tarry stools. Signs of illness may not occur for up to 2 years after being exposed to the virus. This variety of clinical signs and long incubation makes diagnosis of Aleutian Disease a challenge.

A tentative diagnosis of AD can be made based on a combination of suggestive clinical signs and high blood levels of certain proteins called gammaglobulins. To help confirm the diagnosis, additional tests can be performed. The counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CEP) test is used to detect antibodies to the virus and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test can detect antibodies to the nonstructural proteins of the AD virus.

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for AD, nor is there a vaccine to prevent infection. Treatment is aimed at supporting the body. Prednisolone helps to suppress the immune system and decrease the amount of immune complexes. Subcutaneous or intravenous fluids may be needed to treat dehydration and kidney problems. Broad-spectrum antibiotics may be needed to treat secondary bacterial infections. For ferret’s that refuse to eat, syringe feeding with Oxbow Animal Health Carnivore Care, Hill’s a/d or Gerber’s chicken baby food may be recommended.

The prognosis for AD is guarded. The severity of illness depends on the severity of organ damage caused by the immune complex deposits. Some ferrets live for many years without developing illness while others become very ill and unfortunately, some die.

Current research is ongoing at the University of Georgia with the goal of developing better diagnostic tests for this potentially debilitating disease.