Just as a reminder to everyone. Ferrets can indeed catch swine flu. Here is an article about what to watch for and how to prevent it.

http://oregonvma.org/news/h1n1

 

thanks to xvelvetfuzzbuttx!

I don't think it's easy for them to catch.  I had the H1N1 flu, (thought someone should kill me to make me feel better) and none of mine even got a sniffle.

cilly


I don't think it's easy for them to catch.  I had the H1N1 flu, (thought someone should kill me to make me feel better) and none of mine even got a sniffle.

i had it too, and Brundon was fine.
but i stayed away from him for a week, my mommy took care of him so he couldnt catch it :)

 

Every ferret has a different reaction when they're exposed to a virus. I have a feeling that I accidentally exposed my babies to the flu either through my clothes after I got home from volunteering at my local ferret shelter or from holding one of my sister's ferrets while he was sick.

However I brought it home, it really didn't effect them that much. Mogli was sneezing, really tired, and had a runny nose for about a week and Ozzy didn't show any signs of being sick.

What I'm trying to say is that it really depends on the ferret. Some will pick up the flu easily and be really sick. Others will either have some minor symptoms or be completely fine. It's just best to err on the side of caution since there's no way of knowing what category your babies will fall into.

Currently our shelter has masks right when you walk in the front door.  And we have antibacterial hand wash right next to each and every cage.
 
Our shelter volunteers have been hit with the flu, and everyone who isn't sick has been stepping up to fill in whenever they can.