I'm not really a doctor, but after reading about the love and loss that all ferret owners go through (and since I'm a new ferret owner, I haven't had the misfortune of going through the loss part), I've come across a few diseases that all ferret owners experience. Most can be treated, but regardless of the strength of your immune system, you will be afflicted by these diseases. How is this possible? Who knows? Perhaps they are immediately transmitted to your body from the moment you touch that little bundle of fur. They then lay dormant until certain environmental stimuli activate the diseases. The following is a list of common ferret owner diseases, symptoms, and treatment options that I have researched. 1) "Wantaferretosis" CAUSES: This is a common disease that afflicts grieving ferret owners. Much of the time (not always), this disease accompanies another well-known ailment called "Missmyferretitis" (see below). SYMPTOMS: the need to have a ferret despite the pain owner feels for the dearly departed. Symptoms usually intensify when in the company of furkids that are not part of the infected's family. TREATMENT: immediate relief is found by adopting a new ferret. Unfortunately, the disease cannot be cured. Take caution as this disease can be contagious to unsuspecting owners. 2) "Missmyferretitis" CAUSES: Another common disease that infects grieving ferret owners. This disease occurs only when a ferret makes the long journey to the bridge. More severe than "Wantaferretosis", as it causes greater discomfort. SYMPTOMS: overactive tear ducts, accompanied by fond memories and a feeling of loss. While physical pain is rare, emotional pain is typical for patients. TREATMENT: most patients find relief in memories, pictures, stories, and good friends. This disease is not curable. While symptoms can be treated, most patients experiences relapses for the remainder of their life. 3) "Ferretoma" CAUSES: This disease occurs when ferret owner incessantly talks about, laughs at, or worries over his/her ferret. Laughter usually results from war dancing, silly habits, or bottle brushing. SYMPTOMS: dry mouth, aching stomach, headache, tense jaw, shortness of breath, uncontrollable bladder urges. TREATMENT: there is no known treatment on file for "Ferretoma". The disease is incurable. Some symptoms can infect other people (ferret owners and non-ferret owners), particularly laughter. If you have found other diseases that infect humans because of their ferrets, please share them. Thanks, Stephanie Gilbert _____________________________________________________________________ Stephanie Gilbert * TriFL VP/Events Chair/Librarian * work: (919) 962-1355 * http://www.trifl.org * http://Kittlen.tripod.com [Posted in FML issue 4018]