Campylobacter is a bacteria that makes animals and people sick with it. The disease caused by this bacteria is known as campylobacteriosis.

How it spreads : 

Campylobacter is spread from animals to people by the stool of the infected animals, contaminated water or food, and the environment. For example, people can be infected if they do not wash their hands after interacting with a ferret, stool, toys, food, or habitat.

Who is at risk : 

Anyone can have a campylobacter infection, but it’s more common in children under 5 and 65 years or older adults. Plus, people with weak immunity will be prone to this disease, and they can be seriously ill.

Signs in ferrets : 

The ferrets have weak immunity and are likely to get a campylobacter infection. The ferrets would not show any signs, but they will suffer from diarrhea. For instance, they will have vomiting, fever, and lack of appetite.

Symptoms in people : 

The campylobacter infection will cause diarrhea (bloody), abdominal cramps, and fever. Diarrhea will be accompanied by vomiting and nausea. The symptoms will start appearing in 2 to 5 days and lasts for a week.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Campylobacter infection is possible with laboratory tests in body tissue, fluids, or stool. Additionally, the rapid diagnostic test can detect the genetic material of the campylobacter bacteria.