Ferrets owners in Wiltshire are being warned of an outbreak of a highly contagious virus after a number of cases of epizootic catarrhal enteritis (ECE) were reported.

Cases of the disease have been recorded throughout the county in Chippenham, Devizes and Salisbury.

Steve Rouse, of Jump Farm, Devizes, had his ferrets, Mr Frisky and Noodles, treated for the disease and they must remain in quarantine for six to nine months.

Mr Rouse believes the ferrets picked up the disease at a local show. He took them to the vets with a stool sample, which was sent to Glasgow University for analysis. Following the positive result, the ferrets were put on stronger medication and made a full recovery.

Mr Rouse said: “It will make the animal very unwell and, if not treated, it can be fatal.”

Infected ferrets will initially go off their food, seem lethargic and may vomit. Most recover within a week but older ferrets and ferrets with concurrent infections may become seriously ill. The disease is spread by contact with faeces from infected ferrets directly or on contaminated inanimate objects.

Fluffy Retreat Ferret Rescue in Chippenham has been effectively closed after testing positive. The centre cannot take in any more ferrets and adoptions from the centre are very limited to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.

A spokesperson said: “It’s a bit of a nightmare as we still have to look after the ferrets we have.”

The School of Veterinary Sciences in Glasgow advises pet owners who suspect their ferret might be infected to isolate them from other ferrets as soon as possible.