in response to a recent request on the fml-
the incubation period of rabies in humans is "usually 2-8 weeks but may
be as short as 10 days or as long as a year or even longer, depending on
depth of laceration and site of wound." (Tabor's Cyclopedic Medical
Dictionary, p1659 )
I don't know about the incubation time in ferrets, but i would expect it to
be similar, given that the lyssavirus which causes rabies is notoriously
slow moving (3 mm/hr).  Also, here in Montgomery County, PA, the official
rabies quarantine time for suspect dogs and cats is 6 months (i know this
isn't the dog-and-cat-mailing list, but it's for comparison's sake :) ) so
I suspect the incubation in ferrets can also stretch out for at least that
long.
 
                Hillary Gorman  --->  [log in to unmask]
                        * Veterinary Nurse
                        * Student
                        * Amateur Philosopher
                  "To err is human;  to moo, bovine."
 
[Posted in FML issue 1234]