Lyme Disease

Since first dignosed in the 1960's Lyme disease has been spreading. It is borne by a small tick which carries the disease causing organism called a 'spirochete'. Humans cannot contract the disease from infected animals, it is spread by tick bite only. However, it has been spread from animal to animal through urine contact.

Symptoms include intermittant shifting lameness, swollen joints or joint pain, a persistant or recuuent fever with no apparent cause, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes, depression and pain. Later stages of the disease produce neurological, kidney and heart problems.

To prevent Lyme disease inspect your ferret regularly when in tick infested areas. If ticks are found then remove (see the option for ticks under the main menu).