Dear Kim:
 
>I had a very slight sore throat and a little drainage.  I simply shrugged
>it off and went about my normal routine, including playing with/handling
>the boys.  Now, on day three, I'm feeling really bad and - LIGHTBULB - did
>I get the boys sick in the first two days?  My question is this...what are
>the early symptoms of a cold or flu in ferrets?
 
Ferret's don't get colds (usually rhinoviruses in humans, which don't cross
species) but they can and do get the flu.  The signs of flu in ferrets are
similar to those in humasn - watery eyes, malaise, nasal congestion and
discharge, sneezing, etc.  It generally lasts 2-3 weeks, a bit longer than
in humans, but is not life-threatening.
 
When you are sniffling and sneezing, it's a good idea either to let someone
else handle the ferrets, or break out those surgical masks and wash your
hands carefully and repeatedly.
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
[Posted in FML issue 3289]