While I did enjoy the video posted yesterday and the day before I would like to toss up a word of warning. Unless my hearing once again deceives me these ferrets were placed together to play within hours of the the newbie being brought home from Animal Control. Friday, Januray 20th I brought home three ferrets from our Humane Society. I have been watching them with some concerns, thus the adoption on my part. Early Saturday Mr. Rupert had a few sneezes. By Sunday afternoon Lily had more sneezes than Mr. Rupert. I started a regimen of prophylactic treatment and tightened down the quarantine already in place. By Tuesday morning my concerns increased and I called and asked if I could possibly drop them off for Doc to look at between already scheduled patients. He agreed. Sure enough they had been exposed to and contracted the human flu. By Thursday Booker T. had started symptoms as well. I was successful in keeping this at bay and not spreading to my other nine ferrets, the oldest 7.6 YOA. My hands suffered cracks from so much hand washing between care for the foster kids I have here (rodents), the new kids, the cats, my regular business of ferrets, hubby and myself. The last thing I needed was to catch the human flu from the ferrets or worse, lose one of my current ferrets because I was not cautious. I suspect Doc might of thought I over reacted, but I will admit paranoia played a part in my decision to call the vet. That paranoia (maybe really precaution) was driven by the reminders of the H1 N1 virus that hit the Ferret Villa last year. It cost lives, and a huge vet bill and two human cases of exhaustion trying to keep up! The two shelters, east and west coast who endured and handled so professionally the distemper outbreaks were not far behind the Ferret Villa situation in my memory. As usual Doc was great, first words out of his mouth were, "Cath it is the human flu. I don't think we have any thing as serious as H1N1 virus or distemper." I suspect my sigh of relief sounded like the release of gases from a hot air balloon. AC and HS are often places where many of the above mentioned concerns can be spread, so please be safe rather than sorry about bringing your new kids home to meet the others in the family. A ten day quarantine will not hurt them if you interact with them and if possible, are able to allow them a space to dook and dance that can be wiped down after play. Remember putting the ferts in the bathroom (for example) and walking in and out can spread the virus or bacteria left behind. Changing tops worn between species or groups is also helpful. I know......a pain but helpful. Our winter in NY this year is one of the strangest I have ever seen. Today is sunshine and green grass. It is however, still cold and flu season so wash your hands before picking up or feeding your fuzz butts to keep them healthy all winter long. Using my "I took a Chance on Rabbit" mug, I toast to all the ferrets and ferrants in our FML family a healthy and happy 2012. CR Feed rescued animals in two clicks http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3 [Posted in FML 7326]