A guide for the use of the ferret model for influenza virus infection

As influenza viruses continue to jump species barriers to cause human infection, assessments of disease severity and viral replication kinetics in vivo provide crucial information for public health professionals. The ferret model is a valuable resource for evaluating influenza virus pathogenicity; thus, understanding the most effective sample collection and usage techniques, as well as the full spectrum of attainable data following experimental inoculation in this species, is paramount. This is especially true for scheduled necropsy of virus-infected ferrets, a standard component in evaluation of influenza virus pathogenicity, as necropsy findings can provide important information regarding disease severity and pathogenicity that is not otherwise available from the live animal.
Source: American Journal of Pathology - Category: Pathology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research