We have a ferret that contracted distemper while he was being held in the
county animal pound.  He was caged in the dog area.  Ferret distemper is
actually pretty uncommon... because ferret owners are usually people with
a commitment to animals in general and spend the "optional" money for
vaccinations... dog owners... well... a lot people have dogs and treat
them that way (they shouldn't have a pet at all, in other words!) and
don't vaccinate them.
 
Ferrets usually contract distemper from a dog (or walking in the park where
a dog with distemper pooped, or being petted by an owner that petted a dog
that had it, or pick it up from the floor in a vet's office, etc.)  The
bottom line is, if you love your pet, VACCINATE!
 
Ferrets seldom survive distemper.
 
Debi Christy
Ferrets First Foster Home
[Posted in FML issue 3127]