To Dave Ljung -
 
I wouldn't worry about separating your ferrets or adopting any others
because of ECE.  I first got ECE in my household over 2 years ago when my
Warlock came down with it and almost died.  He was in the hospital for 6
days and was not given proper care and they just gave up on him.  I took him
home and feed him every 2 hrs. around the clock for a week before he would
eat and drink anything on his own.  He had lost lots of weight and could not
even walk when I brought him home.  He is doing fine today at the age of 5.
When we first had ECE I had only 2 ferrets and now I have 11.  I am
certainly concerned about any new adoptees getting the disease.  I separate
any new ferrets for about 10 days before introducing them to the others
anyway.  Since I know what ECE signs to look for and if one of the kids
stops eating I immediately start forcing food and liquids.  Only a couple of
the others have come down with it and they came through it just fine with my
help and supplemental feedings.  I guess the others are immune.  I don't
expect that they will ever get it.  I don't take any of them around other
ferrets because I would not want mine to pass along ECE to another.  Even
though they haven't had it they might be able to carry the germs.  I also
don't want mine to pick up any diseases from any other ferret.  Good luck!
[Posted in FML issue 1445]