Hello all!
 
I would send this e-mail privately, but I am not quite sure who to send it
to.  In regards to the Chicago Ferret show coming up this weekend, I would
just like to warn the people there about someone who will be coming to the
show who will be bringing his currently ECE ferrets with him.  He is a truck
driver who usually takes his ferrets with him around the country, and who
about a month ago, brought ECE home to his fuzzies.  I have talked with this
gentleman, strongly advising him not to take his ferrets with him to the
Chicago show, but he is not sure that what his ferrets have is ECE, and he
would like to enter his ferrets in some of the fun rings.  I have told him
just how contagious ECE is, in fact when he wanted to visit the shelter, I
made him take off his shoes, not handle any of his ferrets before he came
over, and spray himself down with Lysol.  (Better safe than sorry) In
regards to taking the ferrets to the show, he told me he would talk to the
people in the show, and see what they think.  He still thinks he may not
have ECE, because one of his ferrets did not get as sick as the others.
From what he has told me, I am 90% sure that he does have ECE.  All of his
ferrets are under 1 yr of age.  I would hope that the people at the entrance
to the show will be checking for this, his ferrets will still be having
seedy and even some still green and slimy stools.  I also hope that he will
indeed ask before he brings his ferrets into the show.  But, just in case, I
wanted to warn the people running the Chicago Ferret Show.  He is a very
nice gentleman, a truck driver who loves to talk, but I don't think it has
sunk in just what he could do by bringing these ferrets to the show.  I
don't think he should be barred from going to the show, he is driving 10
hours both ways just to attend it, just from bringing his ferrets in.  I
don't mean to cause a scare or panic, I just would hate to see what could
happen.  If anyone would like to know more info, please e-mail me privately.
 
Dooks and kisses to your fuzzies,
Shelley Knudsen
Legion of Superferrets of Nebraska Ferret Shelter
[log in to unmask]
 
[Moderator's note: Hmmmm... I wasn't sure how to best handle this one.  I do
want people to be aware of possible rumors, but, then again, this is just
that: an unconfirmed rumor.  Neither Shelley nor myself want people to panic.
But it's probably a good idea to remind people to be aware of ECE so you can
take any precautions you feel prudent, anyhow.
 
So, I called the Greater Chicago Ferret Assoc (708-442-8650) at 21:15 today
to let them know about the post and let them present their side of things
if they wish.  I spoke to Norm there.
 
Norm assured me they were concerned about the ECE issue.  He stated several
things:
 
1) He stated he believes that "ECE is pretty prevalent throughout the
   country" and that "probably most people have been exposed to it."
 
2) He stated that flyers will be distributed at the show warning people
   about the dangers of ECE and recommending that no contact with other
   ferrets occur.
 
3) Thus, because of the above, he said he believes that the only people
   handling a ferret should be the owner of the ferret and, if the ferret is
   entered, the judges.  And the judges are "fully equipped" to disinfect
   both themselves and the tables between each ferret.
 
Again, he stressed to me that the GCFA is indeed concerned about ECE and is
by no means nonchalant.  I indicated that I would post the warning and I
received his permission to post his name and my summary of the conversation.
I won't add any opinions of my own.  BIG]
[Posted in FML issue 2097]