Pneumonia due to Mycobacterium abscessus in two domestic ferrets (Mustelo putorius furo).

Two ferrets were diagnosed with pneumonia due to Mycobacterium abscessus. Both cases were treated successfully using clarithromycin after positive cultures were obtained via unguided bronchoalveolar lavage. This is the first time M abscessus has been isolated in our laboratory and the first report of this organism causing disease in companion animals in Australia. Underlying respiratory tract disease was thought to be an important factor in the development of the infections. Thorough investigation of chronic lower respiratory tract disease in ferrets is recommended as this species appears predisposed to atypical infections.