>how can you tell if a Ferret has rabies?  what are the signs?  or is
>there a good site to read up on this..
>
>now if someone adopted ferrets with no history and then they get bit and
>draw blood are them human sign's to watch for?
>
>no this did not happen to me but to a friend
>
>THanks
 
The pathogenesis and symptomatology of rabies in ferrets is extremely
variable, with both furious and dumb forms being documented.  Any
neurologic sign may potentially be a presenting symptom of rabies.  The
offsetting factor here is that rabies is extremely uncommon in ferrets
that the chance of your friend encountering a rabid ferret is astronomical.
 
In the case of a bite incident, the ferret should be closely watched under
a vet's supervision (but may be quarantined at home) for any signs of
illness.  A ten-day quarantine will suffice - if the ferret is healthy at
the end of the period, then the likelihood of rabies is probably nil.  The
ferret should show signs long before the human does.
 
A ferret bite does not require panic or rushing off to get rabies shots -
I've been bitten many many times, and I rarely pay attention to them
anymore (at least after I get those clenched teeth off my hand.
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
 
Join the Ferret Health List at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ferret-Health-list
[Posted in FML issue 3424]