PARASITES OF DOMESTICATED PET FERRETS

Protozoans are common endoparasites of young ferrets. Isospora species are frequently found in kits younger than 16 weeks and occasionally c ause clinical signs. The most effective treatment for pet ferrets is o ral trimethoprimsulfadiazine. Cryptosporidium parvum is usually subcli nical in kits and is important mainly because of potential zoonosis. C urrently, there are no drugs available to eliminate infection with thi s species. Giardia species and Toxoplasma gondii may infect ferrets bu t are rarely diagnosed. Heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immiti s is usually fatal in ferrets; oral or injectable ivermectin is effect ive prophylactically. Ferrets may acquire heavy flea infestations from cats or dogs; clinical signs include dermatitis, alopecia, and anemia . Remedies used to treat flea infestation in cats and dogs are safe to use in ferrets. Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are common in ferrets o f all ages and can be controlled with diluted ivermectin solution or r egular application of otic preparations that are used to treat cats.