While I did enjoy the video posted yesterday and the day before I
would like to toss up a word of warning. Unless my hearing once again
deceives me these ferrets were placed together to play within hours
of the the newbie being brought home from Animal Control.

Friday, Januray 20th I brought home three ferrets from our Humane
Society. I have been watching them with some concerns, thus the
adoption on my part. Early Saturday Mr. Rupert had a few sneezes. By
Sunday afternoon Lily had more sneezes than Mr. Rupert. I started a
regimen of prophylactic treatment and tightened down the quarantine
already in place. By Tuesday morning my concerns increased and I called
and asked if I could possibly drop them off for Doc to look at between
already scheduled patients. He agreed. Sure enough they had been
exposed to and contracted the human flu. By Thursday Booker T. had
started symptoms as well.

I was successful in keeping this at bay and not spreading to my other
nine ferrets, the oldest 7.6 YOA. My hands suffered cracks from so much
hand washing between care for the foster kids I have here (rodents),
the new kids, the cats, my regular business of ferrets, hubby and
myself. The last thing I needed was to catch the human flu from the
ferrets or worse, lose one of my current ferrets because I was not
cautious.

I suspect Doc might of thought I over reacted, but I will admit
paranoia played a part in my decision to call the vet. That paranoia
(maybe really precaution) was driven by the reminders of the H1 N1
virus that hit the Ferret Villa last year. It cost lives, and a huge
vet bill and two human cases of exhaustion trying to keep up! The two
shelters, east and west coast who endured and handled so professionally
the distemper outbreaks were not far behind the Ferret Villa situation
in my memory.

As usual Doc was great, first words out of his mouth were, "Cath it is
the human flu. I don't think we have any thing as serious as H1N1 virus
or distemper." I suspect my sigh of relief sounded like the release of
gases from a hot air balloon.

AC and HS are often places where many of the above mentioned concerns
can be spread, so please be safe rather than sorry about bringing your
new kids home to meet the others in the family. A ten day quarantine
will not hurt them if you interact with them and if possible, are able
to allow them a space to dook and dance that can be wiped down after
play. Remember putting the ferts in the bathroom (for example) and
walking in and out can spread the virus or bacteria left behind.
Changing tops worn between species or groups is also helpful. I
know......a pain but helpful.

Our winter in NY this year is one of the strangest I have ever seen.
Today is sunshine and green grass. It is however, still cold and flu
season so wash your hands before picking up or feeding your fuzz butts
to keep them healthy all winter long.

Using my "I took a Chance on Rabbit" mug, I toast to all the ferrets
and ferrants in our FML family a healthy and happy 2012. CR

Feed rescued animals in two clicks
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

[Posted in FML 7326]