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Epizootic catarrhal enteritis (ECE), often referred to as green slime disease, is a highly contagious viral infection seen in ferrets. The virus assaults the lining of the ferret's intestinal tract and can damage the membranes inside the intestines. Owners have called this disease a "ferret owner's nightmare" as the symptoms can show up quickly after exposure and constant nursing care is required to bring the ferret back to health.

Ferrets between two and four years of age are more at risk for ECE. Young kits and older ferrets can also be affected and some ferrets can be carriers and rarely show signs of having the virus. The disease travels quickly and can be spread from ferret to ferret or from handler to ferret. The virus can attach itself to the skin and even clothing. There have been cases where owners reported to not be in contact with other ferrets other than their own when their ferret was affected.

After exposure, the symptoms typically begin within 24 to 72 hours. The first signs are vomiting and sluggishness. As the name is referred to as "green slime disease", this is the next symptom that is unmistakable with the disease. The ferret will begin to have diarrhea that can range in color from a bright to dark green and will have a distinct foul odor. The diarrhea will be quite watery and uncontrollable, sometimes described as "explosive". In severe cases, the diarrhea will have white "strings" that can be mistaken as worms but is actually portions of the intestinal tract lining.

During this cycle, the food and water intake of the ferret will need to be closely monitored which includes after the diarrhea ceases. Ferrets with ECE are ill and may stop eating even after the symptoms have concluded. When a ferret stops eating, the stomach acids build and attack the mucous membranes which can lead to ulcers in the stomach, mouth, and throat. Even though a sick ferret doesn't want to eat, she needs nourishment and may need hand-fed in order to survive.

Offering a sick ferret some of her favorites that have been moistened can often help get her to eat. However, when a ferret completely stop eating, she may need force-fed her food and water. This is never easy for the ferret or owner but it could mean the difference in life or death of a beloved pet. Force feeding should be a last resort as it can cause stress on an already strained animal. An experienced ferret veterinarian can offer advice on how to properly force-feed a pet ferret.

When ECE damages the intestinal lining, the ferret is unable to absorb all of the nutrients from its food. During nursing care, not only will the ferret need regular feedings, she will need highly nutritious food. Ferret owners will need to keep a watchful eye on their pet just as they would a sick child. A ferret rarely succumbs to ECE when given immediate and proper care. Dehydration is a main concern with ferrets that have prolonged bouts of diarrhea which can be fatal. A veterinarian may need to administer intravenous fluids.

The symptoms of ECE commonly last two to five days but a ferret can carry the virus for months after the symptoms disappear. Prevention is the best medicine for ECE. Never handle strange ferrets including those at pet stores, ferret shows, and shelters and then handle your own ferret. Do not let strangers handle your ferret especially those who are also ferret owners. Ferrets with ECE should be quarantined away from other ferrets for at least one year after recovery. At the first signs of ECE, ferret owners should seek immediate veterinary care for the best options for treating the disease.

References:

THE FERRET HANDBOOK, by Garry Bucsis and Barbara Somerville

http://www.afip.org/consultati on/vetpath/ferrets/ECE/ECE.htm l

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