>the neighbor said, you have to be really careful because they carry ecoli
 
Karla -
 
In a nutshell there are two types of E. Coli that people should be
aware of.  There is E. coli O157:H7 (hamburger disease) as well as ETEC.
 
E. Coli 0157:H7 is most commonly transmitted by eating raw hamburger.
Cattle carry this organism in their gut, and during the slaughter process
it can contaminate other parts of the cow.  The REALLY dangerous thing
about this bacteria is the toxins given off by the bacteria.  Because
hamburger is ground and more of it gets exposed to air and the bacteria
can spread through more of the meat and that is the reason it is more
susceptible to contamination vs.  a piece of steak or a roast.
 
ETEC is generally found in contaminated drinking water (due to
human/animal feces getting into it) in underdeveloped countries.  This
is why you should drink bottled water when you go on vacation.
 
All mammals, including humans, can be carriers of E. Coli.  However, the
centre of disease control has no specific warning about any domestic pets
being a high risk carrier.  In the case of animal contact, it would be
spread through contact with the feces.
 
IN SHORT, don't panic that your ferret may be a carrier of E. Coli.
However, make sure you and any kids in your care wash their hands after
handling the ferret.  This is a sensible precaution to take with any
animal.  (I know, most of us don't -- but if you have a daycare going it
would be a wise thing).
 
If you want more detailed info go to the following site:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/
 
There's info there on everything you never wanted to know about ugly
little bugs.
 
Lorraine
& Al (the sock warrior)
[Posted in FML issue 3694]