I see about 6 cases of distemper yearly, usually in pet store kits.
These animals generally have received one distemper vaccine, so are not
fully protected, and they are often commingled with puppies of similarly
questionable vaccine history.  There does not seem to be any appreciable
geographic distribution, however, this sample is far too small to yield
any real data.
 
Keeping ferrets indoors limits your possibility of contracting disease.
The chance of actually bringing it in on shoes, etc is very remote but
possible.  Chances of contracting increase with direct exposure to other
animals - non-sanctioned ferret shows, pet stores, even vet's offices
could serve as a source of virulent virus.
 
The key is that distemper is 100% fatal in ferrets, and really is not worth
the risk, especially if the Recombitek vaccine lives up to advance billing.
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVm
[Posted in FML issue 3491]