Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection in captive black-footed ferrets

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli with genes for heat stabile toxins Sta and STb was isolated from the gastrointestinal tract and multiple visceral org ans of three adult and three juvenile black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripe s) that died in a captive breeding colony between 24 May 1998 and 2 July 19 98. Similar isolates were obtained from rectal swabs of one adult and one j uvenile that were clinically ill. Ali were fed a diet composed of mink chow , raw rabbit meat, beef liver powder, blood meal and lard. Escherichia coli of the same toxin genotype was isolated from the mixed ration. Clinical si gns included sudden death, dehydration, anorexia and diarrhea. Necropsy les ions included acute enteritis With large numbers of rod shaped bacteria mic roscopically visible on intestinal villi.