We have also been blessed by not having this disease at our shelter.  We
must remember that "ferret shelters" are a very important part of our
network.  If no one adopts them from us then we will become overloaded by
turn-ins, founds, abused cases, and a time will come when we are unable
to take any more in.  What happens to the ferrets then?  I don't think I
need to answer that question.
 
May I suggest for shelters that have experienced the disease and may have
carriers to tell prospective owners about it (perhaps give them Dr.
Williams' article), don't adopt to families with older or sick ferrets,
adopt in pairs or more to new owners (this will lesson the chance that
they decide to adopt another ferret somewhere else at a later time as a
companion ferret), tell them explicity what signs to look for and what to
do (maybe a handout?) if they get it.
 
Obviously, I don't want it and I don't want to give it to anyone else but
I can inform others of precautions, signs and treatment, at least as much
as we know.
 
For the love of ferrets.  Hugs to all.  tle
[Posted in FML issue 1241]