Heartworm Disease

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Ferrets are susceptible to heartworm disease, a mosquito-

transmitted illness seen primarily in dogs.  Ferret owners must

carefully consider the pros and cons of preventive therapy for

this disease.  Some ferrets may have adverse reactions to the

drug used for heartworm prevention.  Furthermore, the average

pet ferret is very unlikely to be bitten by an infected mosquito

unless it lives in an area of heavy heartworm infection and is

often exposed to mosquitoes (is housed outdoors).  Most pet

ferrets housed exclusively indoors are unlikely to become

infected by heartworms and should not require preventive therapy.