The most important common ones are discussed in detail below.

Bordetella
Ferrets boarded with dogs can be infected with kennel cough. Ferrets manifest kennel cough symptoms similar to dogs. Can manifest in two forms: 1) Bordetella pneumonia: which is very hard to treat and 2) Bordetella bronchiseptica: responds to antibiotics.

Symptoms: Discharge from nose usually from one side and respiratory distress.

Similar Diseases: Snuffles

Diagnosis: Culture and sensitivity should be done before dispensing antibiotics.

Treatment: Antibiotics

Prevention: Ferrets should be vaccinated against kennel cough 2 weeks before boarding.

Snuffles
Snuffles are a complex upper respiratory problem.

Symptoms: Sneezing with or without nasal discharge.

Similar diseases: 1) Sinus damage from viral infection, 2) Fungal disease, 3) Nasal septum deformities, 4) Respiratory syncytial virus.

Diagnosis: Culture and sensitivity.

Treatment: Depends on culture and sensitivity

Pneumonia
Pneumonia in ferrets is a complex disease. It can be caused by bacteria, virus, fungus, and parasites.

Symptoms: Weakness, lethargic, difficulty breathing, fever, and dehydration.

Diagnosis: Clinical symptoms, x-ray, culture and sensitivity.

Treatment: Medication on basis of culture and sensitivity and supportive therapy.

Mycoplasma
Mycoplasma can cause infection in ferrets secondary to bacterial or viral infection.

Symptoms: Weakness, lethargy, difficulty breathing, fever, and dehydration.

Diagnosis: Clinical symptom, x-ray, CBC, and blood chemistry.

Treatment: Antibiotics, force feeding, and supportive therapy.

Botulism
Ferrets are susceptible to botulism. The cause of botulism is clostridia infection which produces toxin. Sources of infection are spoiled food or dead animals.

Symptoms: Neuralgic signs due to the effect of toxin to brain. The first sign is usually some paralysis on hind legs then shallow respiration and salivation. Death occurs due to respiratory failure.

Diagnosis: Culture done on vomit or stomach content after death.

Treatment: Antibiotics and supportive therapy.