Dooks to all,
 
This question refers to a ferret who did not display any ECE symptoms but
we believe was a carrier.  The reason I am asking is that we are thinking
of giving in to ferret math since we have 4 elderly ferrets and one
youngster and have had numerous opportunities to adopt a ferret who needs
a forever home.
 
A little over two years ago, we adopted Loki.  Shortly after he was
introduced to the business, all of the other ferrets came down with ECE.
Loki, however, did not have any symptoms.  We assumed that he was the
carrier because neither of us had been in contact with other ferrets.
Yes, I know you can carry it on your person, but the only place where one
of us could have picked it up was at our vet's office.  I am discounting
the possibility of picking it up on the street, especially right here in
CA-CA land where the kids don't often get out in public.
 
I have read that the current thinking about ferrets who have had the
disease spreading it to others.  What I understand is that the experts
think that the virus may be shed for up to six months.  We are safe on
that score since it has been two years and all of our little fur kids
survived in good shape.
 
My question is this.  Can Loki, if he was the carrier, spread ECE to
others if he has never had the disease himself?  We don't know his
history.  It is possible that he had the disease before coming to us.
If this is the case, then he shouldn't be able to spread it now.
However, I wonder if a ferret who has never had ECE can still be a
carrier and for how long.
 
I know that the answer to this question is not written in stone, but I
would appreciate the experience and advice of those more knowledgeable
than I.
 
Hugs and kisses to all of you little fuzzbutts,
Shirley
[Posted in FML issue 4355]