Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis (ECE) is a highly contagious coronavirus that damages the stomach and intestinal lining with inflammation and infection, starving the animal of the necessary fluid and nutrient absorption needed.

Infection typically occurs from direct contact of infected animals or human contact with an infected animal. Ferrets will show symptoms in between 12 and 72 hours, if infected. Recovered ferrets can shed the virus in stools for 12+ months after initial infection.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of ECE includes bright green diarrhea (although the diarrhea can also be other shades of green or yellow) with an abundant amount of mucous containing a very foul fish odor. It is often accompanied by vomiting (in early stages of the disease), lethargy, refusal to eat or drink, or diminished eating/drinking.

Treatment

Ferrets can begin to lose weight within a few days, due to a lack of eating and in addition become dehydrated. Immediate aggressive treatment is needed as a ferret can go from healthy to critically dehydrated within 8 hours, hydration is key.

It is important at this stage to also add electrolytes (such as unflavored Pedialyte, or Lemon-Ice Gatorade) to their water. The easiest way to tell if your ferret is dehydrated is by pinching the scruff of their neck, under normal conditions the skin will snap back, if they are dehydrated, the skin tends to stick together.

See a vet immediately to be put on an antibiotic to prevent secondary infections. This is usually amoxycillin (10-20 mg/lb twice daily).

Supplements such as Nutrical, Sustacal, or Deliver in a liquid mixture of ground up ferret food are a good source of nutrition. Turkey or chicken baby food is another highly nutritious and easily digestible source. These semi-liquid mixtures may have to be force-fed through an oral syringe.

Precautions

If your ferrets have not had ECE, you can avoid other ferret households, shows, meetings, shelters, petstores, or other “ferret congregations.” Once your ferret contracts the disease, they usually do not get it again. The severity of this disease generally increases with the age of the ferret.

When coming home from an exposed location, spray your hands and feet with Nolvasan, or other disinfectant before entering your house. Remove your clothes and shoes, wash your clothes in hot water, and wash or disinfect your shoes. Immediately take a shower.

If you suspect your ferret of having ECE take them to the vet immediately to evaluate stool samples or dehydration levels.