Chris,  This whole thing is making me brain-dead.  I can't remember
if I sent this or not.  Please delete it if I have.
 
 --------
 
The following was posted by Freddie Hoffman on GEnie:
 
Category 5,  Topic 5
Message 13        Mon Jul 06, 1992
F.HOFFMAN3                   at 00:58 EDT
 
MEDICAL ALERT:  CANINE DISTEMPER VIRUS EPIDEMIC IN FERRETS American Ferret
Association/Committee on Health Affairs
 
Ferrets are highly susceptible to Canine (Dog) Distemper Virus.  It can be
prevented by routine immunization of ferrets.  In the past 2 months, more than
50 ferrets have died of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) in Ohio, Maryland, and
West Virginia.  Deaths have occurred in unvaccinated animals, in previously
vaccinated animals that are not up to date on their CDV immunization, and in
kits who have not received their full series of 3 vaccines (usually at 8, 11,
& 14 weeks of age).
 
Signs/Symptoms: Tiredness, loss of appetite, rectal puffiness, eye and
nasal discharge (may be bloody), rash (often under the chin), diarrhea,
hyperexcitability, salivation, seizures, coma, sudden death.
 
Death may occur suddenly, within 5 hours of symptoms, of with almost no
symptoms.
 
RECOMMENDATIONS (The following apply to Ferrets & DOGS): 1.  The incubation of
this strain appears to range from 7 -28 days. If
    you have attended a ferret event in Maryland or New York within the
    months of May, June or July, isolate the ferret(s) that attended
    from your other animals for 5 weeks.  Vaccinate your remaining
    animals.
 
2.  If your animal is up to date on CDV immunization, but due to have
    an annual booster prior to October 92, get the booster now.
    Ferrets should be vaccinated with either FERVAC or FROMM-D; do not
    use other vaccines in ferrets; they may not afford adequate
    protection.
 
3.  If your animal is over 3 months of age and its vaccination status is
    unknown, vaccinate your animal (if healthy) immediately; repeat
    booster in 3 weeks, and then annually.
 
4.  If your animal is 8-12 weeks of age, vaccinate immediately, repeat
    booster in 3 weeks, and again in 6 weeks from 1st vaccine, then
    annually.
 
5.  If you have pregnant jills or animals less than 8 weeks of age,
    contact United Vaccines (1-800-283-6465--Madison, Wisconsin)  for
    information regarding vaccination.
 
6.  ALL AFA EVENTS THROUGH AUG 92 ARE NOW CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER
    NOTICE.  Proof of vaccination agains CDV and Rabies will be required
    for all future AFA Shows.  NO EXCEPTIONS.
 
7.  For more information about FERVAC vaccine, contact United Vaccines
    (1-800-283-6465).  For general information, contact Freddie Ann
    Hoffman, M.D., American Ferret Association at 301-983-3187, or by
    GEnie E-Mail (F.HOFFMAN3).
 
 
-----
Nancy Hartman                     CIS graduate student
[log in to unmask]                  U. of Delaware
        President and founder, Delaware Valley Ferret Club
                      Owner of Percy & Bree
 
[Posted in FML issue 0272]