This is how we got hit with kennel cough. Two different groups from different locations, one from a dog/cat shelter, another from a breeding facility in Texas. Distemper is a serious concern with ferrets coming from dog/cat shelters. And now, from my experience, it appears kennel cough is too. Most have come through the kennel cough but a few seem to be hanging on to it or getting it back after the antibiotic is stopped, so these little ones will be nebulized once daily. I've unintentionally exposed my group to many contagions through the years - ECE, coccidia, e-coli, salmonella, clostridium, ringworm, and more. I wonder how many people think about the risks the ferret shelters take each time they take in a ferret and the work involved if the little one brings a contagion along. Ferret shelters do more than just feed and clean cages for these little ones, they spend long hours caring for them, special care for the old and depressed, and treating those that are sick. I wish more people would help their local shelters and more people would adopt the homeless to make room at shelters for others that will need them. I wish more people would become pro-active when it comes to these precious little beings. They deserve so much more. sigh. hugs to all. tle www.ferretfamilyservices.org [Posted in FML 5482]