We received laboratory confirmation that the shelter virus is Canine
Distemper (CDV). In many ways this is a relief as the alternative would
have been worse: something new and/or different.

One more ferret succumbed on Friday bringing our losses so far to 4 (2
otherwise healthy boys and 2 girls, both with prior health issues.

Several more ferrets at the shelter are in various stages/degrees
of symptoms. One or two are what I would call seriously ill and are
receiving extra-ordinary support -- the best that Vanessa and our
precious volunteers can provide.

As for more positive news, we haven't seen any additional ferrets show
symptoms at the shelter in close to a week!

All shelter ferrets are on antibiotics. The interferon dosing continues
daily for all. We are providing supplemental hand feeding as needed.
Also, those that have symptoms are receiving oral and sub-q fluids.
Both our ferret groups are in air-conditioned quarters upon the advice
of two shelters that indicated cooler temperatures seem to ease
symptoms.

So far, only 1 recently adopted/fostered ferret is showing symptoms. He
is on the same supportive therapy as well. The several households that
were possibly exposed were immediately alerted and those ferrets all
received boosters. So far, no indications of further spread and we
continue to pray it has been contained.

[Posted in FML 7113]