Here's what I just posted to the internet (hence dog references):
 
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This posting is of vital importance to ferrets, dogs, and any other
animal succeptible to canine distemper.
 
This is a call for everyone to have their animals vaccinated immediately.
A new strain of canine distemper has surfaced, right now it is primarily
hitting the ferret population, being spread at shows and events.  But,
since distemper is a highly contagous *airborne virus* it has a very
good potential for reaching epidemic proportions among all succeptible
animals.
 
Here's the specifics to tell your vet:
 
This is a new strain, of raccoon origin (not dog!).  The first know case
died May 22.  Started in Ohio, with known cases in MD, VA, WV, and DE.
Known to have come in contact with animals in PA, CT, FL, as well as
several others.
 
Incubation:  1 to 4 weeks
 
First sign (in ferrets):  Rectal swelling (this is atypical of canine
distemper)
 
Other signs:  Diarrhea, any discharge from eyes or nose (particularly
if it is green or bloody)
 
Ferrets should be vaccinated with Fervac-D, from united vaccines in Madison
Wisconson (1-800-283-6465).  This is the only vaccine that has been tested
for use in ferrets.  If you can't find a vet that currently has
Fervac-D, go ahead and have your ferret vaccinated with Fromm-D (just
about all vets should have this on hand), and have them order Fervac-D
for booster shots as soon as possible.
 
NOTE:  These are modified-live viruses.  Do *NOT* administer them to
animals showing any signs of illness (of any type, including cancers) if
the animal is know to have come in contact with the distemper virus.  It
will only make matters worse.  If the animal has come in contact with
the virus, and is not showing any signs, go ahead and have the booster
shots done *IMMEDIATELY*!
 
The mink distemper vaccine, sometimes used in ferrets, has proven not
to be effective against this strain of distemper.  If your ferret was
vaccinated with this type, have him/her revaccinated immediately.
 
It takes the vaccination 1 week to 10 days to take effect, be extremely
cautious of other animals during that time frame.
 
Very young animals are at extremely high risk.  Call your vet if your
animal is under 5 months of age.  Ferrets should be vaccinated starting at
7 weeks, then at 10 weeks, again at 13 weeks, and another booster at
3 to 4 months.  Adult animals should be vaccinated *at least* once a
year, with a series of two shots to make sure the titer level is
sufficiently high.
 
If you have any more questions, have your vet call Dr. Freddi Hoffman
(301) 983 - 3187.  (that's her home number, I don't have a work number)
 
Also, please inform either Freddi or myself of any known cases.  It is
imperative to follow the course of this.
 
- 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 0271]