PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (77): animal, Spain, pet ferret

COVID-19 — Spain
We found SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 6 of 71 ferrets (8.4%) and isolated the virus from one rectal swab. Natural SARS-CoV-2 infection does occur in kept ferrets, at least under circumstances of high viral circulation in the human population. However, small ferret collections are probably unable to maintain prolonged virus circulation.

Communicated by:
Mary Marshall

[This report was just brought to our attention today, 24 Feb 2021. – Mod.MPP]
The full preprint can be accessed at