This is a long post and for that I apologize.  I think it is critical that
this information be diseminated to everyone on the FML.  The information
below is similar to a special mailing that has gone out to the 170 members
of the Oregon Ferret Association.  The information was obtained from many
sources and is the best data that we could find.  Since the breeder was in
Canada and not local, we are not sure where he has shipped kits.  Please
stay on top of this issue in your area.  These kits could potentially be
anywhere in the US or Canada but I hope this outbreak will prove to be
confined to one area of the country.
 
-Carla Almaraz
 
PS I am not currently a subscriber to the FML so any comments regarding
this post, either negative or positive, can be directed to my email address.
 
              --------------------------------------------
 
April 4, 1997.  In the past week, local veterinarians and pet stores have
reported that at least 7 ferrets have died from canine distemper in the
Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington area.  The source of the outbreak
appears to be up to 200 kits (young ferrets) that were brought in from
Canada.  The breeder has ceased operations - at least for the time being.
The breeder gave the kits a vaccine developed for mink (which the breeder
also raised.) We know that some (if not all) of the kits were sold to pet
stores in Oregon and Washington.  They were also sold directly to the
public.  The two most recent ferrets to come down with distemper were
purchased directly from the wholesaler at the Exotic Pet Expo held recently
in the Portland area.
 
Although it has not been proven, it is likely that the vaccine gave the
ferrets distemper or failed to protect them from distemper.  The vaccine was
not Fervac or Galaxy, which are the only vaccines routinely used in the US
for ferrets.  According to our sources, these ferrets were also exposed to
Aleutian's Disease, a gradual, wasting disease usually found in mink but can
be transmitted to ferrets.
 
As of this time, the Oregon Ferret Shelter is NOT affected.  We are taking
protective steps to keep it that way.  All ferrets in the shelter were
already vaccinated with Fervac, either for their yearly booster or when they
came into the shelter.  As is the usual pattern, any ferrets coming into the
shelter will be isolated for 14 days.  In an attempt to stop this outbreak,
the OFA has phoned and/or given out flyers to dozens of vets and pet stores
in addition to the special mailing to our members.  Ferrets will NOT be
allowed at the next OFA meeting April 19th.  We will attempt to have a
veterinarian present at the meeting to answer any questions.  Ferrets will
not be allowed at the monthly Petco outreach program on April 6th either.
The OFA members will be there, however, to answer questions about ferrets.
 
Transmission: Canine distemper is an airborne virus that can be transmitted
from direct or indirect contact with an infected animal.  It can be
transmitted from your clothing, shoes, or from your skin for at least 8
hours after exposure.  In other words, your ferret can become infected just
by inhaling the virus from your skin or clothing!  Since the incubation
period can be as long as 10 days, always isolate any new dogs or ferrets
brought into your household for 14 days unless immunity to canine distemper
(and other contagious illnesses) can be ascertained.  Use caution and common
sense when petting or exposing yourself or your ferret to a dog or another
ferret.  Canine distemper is not a health hazard to humans.  Obviously, dogs
can contract the disease, but ferrets are much more susceptible.  Dogs
generally are routinely immunized with DHLPP which protects against canine
distemper.
 
Symptoms: Canine distemper is virtually 100% fatal in ferrets within 12 to
35 days after exposure.  The signs of canine distemper are the loss of
appetite, foul-smelling yellow or green sticky eye discharge, swollen
eyelids, green or yellow nasal discharge, swelling of the lips and chin,
thick brown crusts that form on the eyes, nose, lips and chin, lethargy,
diarrhea, a subtle form of pneumonia, dehydration, swelling of the anus,
orange crusting of the skin in the abdominal and anal area, muscular
tremors, hyperexcitability, convulsions, and in the later stages thickening
and hardening of the paw pads.  Many of these symptoms are never seen
because the ferret will die first.  Ferrets do not appear to be susceptible
to feline (cat) distemper.
 
Immunity and Vaccinations: Kits receive immunity from their mother provided
she was properly vaccinated.  Older studies indicated that this maternal
immunity lasted from 5 to 16 weeks.  Newer studies suggest that at 6.5=BD
weeks of age, only 1/32 of the original maternal immunity is left The actual
length of protection is dependent upon the antibody level in the blood of
the jill when the kits were born.  To establish and maintain immunity, kits
need a series of three shots at 6, 10, and 14 weeks followed by a yearly
booster.  Adults only need a yearly booster unless you are unable to
establish that the ferret has had previous vaccinations.  Two shots given 4
weeks apart are recommended for adult ferrets that have not previously
established and maintained immunity.
 
The only canine distemper (CD) vaccine tested and labeled for ferrets is a
modified-live vaccine called Fervac-D, manufactured by United Vaccines.
Another vaccine that has been used for many years on ferrets (but not tested
or labeled for ferrets) is Galaxy-D (formerly Fromm-D) and is manufactured
by Solvay Animal Health.  Never use any of the following vaccines: a
combination distemper shot such as the DHLPP which is given to dogs, killed
CD vaccine, live CD vaccine, or any CD vaccine cultivated from ferret
tissue.  If you vaccinate for rabies, the manufacturer of Imrab suggests
waiting at least one week between the two immunizations to reduce the chance
of reactions.  Be sure to stay at your vet for at least 30 minutes after any
vaccination and watch for signs of anaphylaxis (various reactions occur in
about 8% of ferrets vaccinated with Fervac-D, according to United Vaccines).
 
If your ferret is due for vaccination in the next several months, please
contact your vet and find out if you should booster early.  Updates will be
posted on our web site as details become available.  Our web site is at:
 
http://www.teleport.com:80/~leonard/ofa/ofa.html.
[Posted in FML issue 1894]