Alicia made excellent points about the disease exposure risks in pet
stores and distributors.

There is another to know about: in the stores diseases, including
canine distemper, can be brought in by customers on their clothing or
shoes, and also can be brought in by people's pets who are allowed in
some stores.

I recall being in a large pet store and encountering an animal pound
worker who was there in his work clothing and work shoes. Not all who
might transport illnesses are so obvious, though. We had a raccoon
with distemper on the side walk right in front of our home earlier
this month. You KNOW we were careful with shoes!

Sukie (not a vet)

Recommended ferret health links:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/
http://www.ferretcongress.org/
http://www.trifl.org/index.shtml
http://homepage.mac.com/sukie/sukiesferretlinks.html

[Posted in FML 6198]