Aleutian disease

The Aleutian is through the Aleutian Mink Disease Virus triggered (AMDV) infectious disease . AMDV is a parvovirus that infects ferrets , mink , raccoons, and skunks . The virus is closely related to the canine and feline parvovirus . The disease initially only occurred in North America, Japan and the UK, but outbreaks have also occurred in other parts of Europe since 2004.

Transmission and Symptoms

The transmission takes place via aerosols , blood, saliva, urine and feces with direct or indirect contact. It can also be done by a female on her embryos (vertical transmission).

The clinical picture manifests itself in apathy , weight loss, refusal to eat , shaggy fur, increased water intake ( polydipsia ) and urination ( polyuria ), anemia and tarry stools . Liver and kidney failure occur in the end-stage . A central nervous form with paralysis of the hindquarters can also occur.

Diagnosis and treatment

A diagnosis on living animals is not yet possible. The combination of different tests (CIEP, PCR ) and / or autopsy can confirm a suspicion. Healthy permanent eliminators are possible (asymptomatic chronic infection).

Treatment is symptomatic as there is no cure. Measures include force-feeding , IV fluids , antibiotics , anti-inflammatory drugs, and quarantining sick animals.

literature

• Hanneke Moormann-Roest: Aleut disease . In: K. Gabrisch, P. Zwart: Diseases of pets. 6th edition, Schlütersche Verlagsgesellschaft, Hanover 2005. ISBN 3-89993-010-X . P. 275.
• Zachary McGavin, Pet Pathology: General, Special, and Functional Veterinary Pathology . 2009, ISBN 978-3-437-58250-9 , p. 203 and p. 217