Aleutian Disease

The Aleutian disease is an infectious disease which is caused by the Aleutian Mink Disease Virus ( AMDV ). The AMDV is a parvovirus infected, the ferret, mink, raccoons and skunks. The virus is closely related to the dog and Katzenparvovirus. The disease occurred initially only in North America, Japan and the UK, since 2004, outbreaks in other parts of Europe can be reported.

Transmission and symptoms

The transmission occurs via aerosols, blood, saliva, urine and feces by direct or indirect contact. It can also occur from a vixen on their embryos (vertical transmission).

The clinical picture can be seen in apathy, weight loss, food refusal, shaggy fur, increased water intake ( polydipsia ) and urination ( polyuria), anemia and melena. In the final step on liver and kidney failure. Also, a central nervous form with paralysis of the hindquarters can occur.

Diagnosis and treatment

A diagnosis is not currently possible in the living animal. The combination of different tests (CIEP, PCR) and / or autopsy can confirm a suspicion. Healthy Dauerausscheider are possible (asymptomatic chronic infection).

Treatment is symptomatic, since a cure is not possible. The measures include force-feeding, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and a quarantine of infected animals.