Ferrets used for avian influenza are in need of a tissue.
Finally, scientists have found a way to test on animals by using ferret
sneezes. Yes, they are making them sneeze. It is a very simple process for the
ferrets, they put them to sleep and they run salt water up their noses. The
result is a great big sneeze into a dish under their nose. This is important.
The ferret snot is being used to study the avian influenza virus or "Bird
Flu". It seems that these little creatures can catch a few of the viruses
that humans can. Mice do not have this ability and it makes the ferret sneeze
very special.
Freeze Dried Sneeze
These secretions that are captured from a ferret are very
secure. The Center For Disease Control takes this little mess seriously. There
are precautions and security everywhere. You must wear full protective gear
when being around it. This calls for double gloves, scrub gowns, eyewear, and
even full air flow masks! You have to go through a fingerprint scan and iris
scan just to gain access.
I wonder if the ferrets used for Avian Influenza have any
idea how special they really are. Avian Influenza is serious and deadly to
birds and humans and possibly mice and ferrets. That is why they are being
studied. Scientists are trying to find a link between ferrets and mice carrying
and transmitting the flu.
Some Findings
Since ferrets used for Avian influenza first started, a few
findings have come to light. The ferrets are known for their ability to catch
the same flu viruses that humans do. They are a perfect model. Ferrets used for
Avian Influenza seem to not give the influenza to others very easy. As of right
now, humans are safe from catching it from ferrets but, if a strain appears
that can affect them, we are in serious trouble and need to watch out.
Little Helpers
Ferrets used for Avian Influenza research are our little
helpers. They have what it takes in their sneezes to show scientists what
amazing creatures they really are and how much like humans they are. All the
major precautions are taken when handling the snot from the sneezes.
It can be deadly to the humans but, ferrets have a hard time
giving it to others. Ferret mucous is taken in a painless not lethal way from
the ferrets. They are put to sleep and made to sneeze with salt water up the
nose. What an interesting life they must have. To know that every sneeze is
locked away in a freezer and sits in a level 3 security zone is exciting. The
excitement builds!.
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