The answer is no and very rarely, yes.  Typically, ferrets are not
considered to be carriers or victims of "strep throat".  Although rare,
dogs have been implicated in carrying the classic cause of strep throat,
the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes.
 
However, many other bacteria have been "accused" of causing a syndrome
like Strep throat - staphylococcus, Hemophilus influenzae, even Neisseria.
Ferret can conceivably contract staph infections from humans, but it is
more likely that they will be hit by a meteor.
 
If your friend or her children has Strep throat the ferrets are very likely
safe.  However, it is always best, due to omnipresence of influenza virus
in the precipitation of many upper respiratory infections, to stay away
from the ferrets as much as possible in such instances.
 
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 3356]