It's been a long time since the topic of Kennel Cough came up so I figured these past BW posts and their reassuring information might be useful. Dr. Bruce Williams is a ferret expert veterinary pathologist who is justifiably world renowned: http://ferrethealth.org/archive/YG4145 >You are correct in that kennel cough is due to one of a number of >respiratory viruses which pave the way for later infection by >Bordetella by "knocking out" the local immune reaction. > >While Bordetella can conceivably (but very rarely) infect other >mammalian species, it is generally pretty well conserved to dogs, >and poses little threat to ferrets. Ferrets are also not sensitive >to the common viral infections that facilitate kennel cough, with the >exception of one of the rarest, canine distemper. > >Long story short - nothing to worry about with the current precautions >you are taking. http://ferrethealth.org/archive/YG11643 >Kennel cough is not a real problem in ferrets, and I would not >recommend vaccinating for it. Kennel cough is a non-core vaccine in >dogs and cats, and is generally only given to those who are likley to >contract it - those in shows, being boarded, or around a lot of other >dogs or cats. It is most commonly used in dogs who board at the vets' >and only rarely in cats. > >While ferrets are susceptible to one of the agents that causes kennel >cough in dogs and cats - Bordetella - I have yet to see a spontaneous >case. > >With the problems that may be associated with vaccinations in ferrets, >I would be dead set against using this in ferrets without an established >need. http://ferrethealth.org/archive/SG4987 >Kennel cough in the dog is a combination of viral and bacterial >infections and is specific to the dog. While your ferret has a remote >chance of picking up the bacterial component, the syndrome of kennel >cough is not a consideration in the feret. -- Sukie (not a vet, and not speaking for any of the below in my private posts) Recommended health resources to help ferrets and the people who love them: Ferret Health List http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth FHL Archives http://ferrethealth.org/archive/ AFIP Ferret Pathology http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html Miamiferrets http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/ International Ferret Congress Critical References http://www.ferretcongress.org [Posted in FML issue 5309]