Kristen brought up a good point.  At least here in the Pacific Northwest,
there is an apparent outbreak of intestional influenza in ferrets.  In all
cases I've heard about, the ferrets were exposed to people that were ill -
not other ferrets.
 
Most people are reporting that the ferrets have bad diarrhea (brown) and/or
vomiting, dehydration, lethargy, and inappetence.  I know of several ferrets
that have been hospitalized because of the severe vomiting and others
requiring lots of subcutaneous fluids.
 
Please remember that ferrets can become critical quickly if they become
dehydrated from vomiting, diarrhea, or not eating.  If they get sick, get
them to the vet ASAP unless you are able to provide a high level of care at
home (sub-q fluids, force feedings, etc.
 
Slippery elm bark, echinacea, and a drop or two (no more!) of Vitamin C
would be some natural remedies that I would try.  Vitamin C can also be
given as a preventative but ferrets hate the taste and too much can cause
profuse diarrhea.  I would also highly recommend acidophilus to restore
normal bacteria in the system.  None of these things should replace the
advice of a competent ferret veterinarian.
 
Prevention is the best medicine.  Insist that anyone that touches your
ferret clean their hands with one of the instant anti-bacterial gels.  It
would probably be wise to use this gel on your own hands when you return
home.  When I return home after being around sick humans or ferrets, I leave
my shoes at the door, immediately take a shower, and wash the clothes I was
wearing.  I certainly don't want 13 sick babies!
 
A great book for you (and your vet!) is Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents by
Hillyear/Quesenberry.  If you don't have access to a vet that is really
familiar with ferrets, buy the vet a copy of this book!  It's worth the $40
and could save your ferrets life.  It will probably have to be ordered (4-6
weeks) from someplace like amazon.com.
 
    -Carla
[Posted in FML issue 2308]