Introduction

• Cause: infection with Mycobacterium spp.
• Signs: anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss.
• Diagnosis: cytology, biopsy, histopathology, PCR, culture, radiography, ultrasonography, CBC and serum biochemistries.
• Treatment: because of the zoonotic risks, Mycobacterium spp cases in pets becomes problematic as to whether or not to treat.

Pathogenesis

Etiology

• Infection with Mycobacterium spp.
• Transmission is likely both through inhalation and/or ingestion of the organisms from the environment or exposure to other infected animals.
• There is the risk of ferret-ferret transmission.
• In New Zealand they have also established ferret to other wildlife and livestock transmission:
  • Ferrets in NZ play a complex role in the TB cycle.
  • They are capable of contracting, amplifying and transmitting M. bovis infection.
  • The brush-tail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is the main host of the disease and ferrets are thought to contract the disease from feeding on tuberculous carcasses.

Diagnosis

Treatment