Poland: Natural infection with HPAI A/H5N1 virus in pet ferrets
A case report sheds light on a unique occurrence of natural infection of domestic ferrets with the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A/H5N1 virus, highlighting the susceptibility of ferrets to avian influenza viruses. The infected ferrets exhibited a range of clinical symptoms, including respiratory distress, neurological symptoms, lethargy, weight loss, and gastrointestinal issues, similar to those observed in experimental infections. Two of the five infected ferrets remained clinically healthy but tested positive for A/H5N1 RNA, indicating the possibility of asymptomatic shedding of the virus.
The study emphasized the zoonotic potential of the A/H5N1 virus and the importance of surveillance, as well as understanding the pathogenesis and transmission dynamics of the virus in domestic animals. According to the study, this is the first documented case of H5N1 infection in domestic ferrets kept as pets.
