American journal of veterinary research
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Intranasal and intraperitoneal exposure of English ferrets (Mustela putorius furo L) to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus caused acute and chronic infections of the respiratory tract. The clinical syndrome was characterized by sneezing, coughing, and anorexia from postexposure days (PED) 3 to 7. Mucopurulent exudate was observed in the posterior nares and pharyngeal area of ferrets euthanatized on PED 4 and 8. ⋯ Recrudescence of chronic infection could be elicited by daily intraperitoneal injections of 4.0 mg of dexamethasone. However, daily administration of 2.0 mg of dexamethasone intraperitoneally did not cause more severe clinical disease. Results of serologic studies revealed serum antibody profiles comparable with those expected in experimentally exposed cattle.