>From:    SERENA MANSON <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: toxoplasmosis
>To all those people wandering about this, why not wear vinyl gloves. I
>am not pregnant,but I have been wearing them for years. It works great.
>I use the kind for washing dishes. My hands never touch the cat litter.
 
That's a good idea -- I'd certainly say that anyone who's pregnant shouldn't
take any unnecessary chances.  The FAQ at Ferret Central quotes Dr. Bruce
Williams as saying that toxo *has* been found in ferts.  He says:
 
"Toxoplasmosis has been reported twice in ferrets.  Ferrets will not shed
the toxoplasma organism to the extent that cats do, but if they are exposed
to cat feces, they may contract the disease and shed very low amounts of
oocysts."
 
In other words, they probably wouldn't transmit it even if they were
infected, but better safe than sorry.  However, you shouldn't have to get
rid of your fert babies; just use a little common sense.  Wear rubber gloves
or, better yet, get the proud future papa to clean the litter till the baby
comes.  ;-)
 
-Tasha
[Posted in FML issue 1829]