** WARNING ** WARNING ** WARNING ** WARNING **
 
It has come to my attention that there is a particularly
nasty strain of distemper going around.  It was definately
present at the recent MD Fun Fest and more than likely at
all recent Northern shows and events.
 
My Vice President just lost one ferret to it, and has another
ill.  One lady (not local) has lost 30 - 40 from her population.
 
Symptoms:  Swollen rectum, diarrhea, discharge from eyes and/or nose.
 
[fur loss too?]
 
Incubation period:  4 weeks.
 
High risk group:  Any young ferret, and any ferret not recently
vaccinated against Canine Distemper.  Also highly infectious to
dogs.
 
Note:  this strain is also hitting vaccinated animals!!!
 
All clubs -- this means *CANCEL* all scheduled ferret events!!!  If you
meet, don't allow any animals at the meeting, and warn people that they
should change clothes and wash before coming in contact with their
animals afterward.
 
If you have an animal exibiting symptoms, take him/her to the
vet immediately for antibiotics.  Quarantine him/her, and wash
*EVERYTHING* with a clorox solution.
 
[People should note that the veterinarian "guide" on ferrets that
I have a copy of states that canine distemper is 100% fatal to
ferrets.  No exceptions.  The article indicated that no ferrets
have ever survived, regardless of medical intervention.  This is
*serious*.]
 
I'll let you know more as I learn more.
 
Personally, I'm scared to death about this.  One week ago my
ferrets were all piled up playing with one of the ferrets who
just died...  Fortunately their shots are up to date, but that
doesn't necessarily make them completely immune.
 
- Nancy
 
Nancy Hartman                     CIS graduate student
[log in to unmask]                  U. of Delaware
        President and founder, Delaware Valley Ferret Club
                      Owner of Percy & Bree
 
[Posted in FML issue 0270]