Some Dr. Bruce Williams replies on this topic (one that I carried over
to the FHL) are in the FHL Archives so I suspect they are also in the FML
Archives:
 
>Subject: RE: [ferrethealth] Whooping Cough and Strep Throat
>
>Veterinary pathologist, Dr. Bruce Williams asked me to pass this on:
>
> Begin text of Dr. Williams:
>
> Dear --------:
>
>Whooping cough is caused by a bacteria, Bordetella pertussis.  Ferrets
>and other small mammals can contract a similar agent, Bordetella
>bronchiseptica, part of the "kennel cough" complex, but Bordetella
>pertussis has not been identified in ferrets.
>
>Ferrets have not been incriminated as a reservoir for Strep throat,
>like dogs have been (dogs can be asymptomatic carriers).  It is likely
>that they might carry it, but it has never been investigated.
>
>Bacteria are less species specific than viruses.  While a ferret might
>be infected with a bacterial experimentally, that is far different than
>carrying a bacteria and transmitting it in an zoonotic fashion (to man).
>I would hate to raise a red flag where there is no data to back it up.
>Ferrets have enough problems as it is.
 
See also
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/browse.php?msg=SG11650
for an extensive set of vet replies on both strep throat and the
separate problem of kennel cough, as well as a past vet text search.
 
It is amazing how very many topics are very well covered in the FML
and FHL Archives.
 
-- Sukie (not a vet, and not speaking for any of the below in my
private posts)
Recommended health resources to help ferrets and the people who love
them:
Ferret Health List
http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth
FHL Archives
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
AFIP Ferret Pathology
http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html
Miamiferrets
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/
International Ferret Congress Critical References
http://www.ferretcongress.org
[Posted in FML issue 5236]