Chris, This whole thing is making me brain-dead. I can't remember if I sent this or not. Please delete it if I have. -------- The following was posted by Freddie Hoffman on GEnie: Category 5, Topic 5 Message 13 Mon Jul 06, 1992 F.HOFFMAN3 at 00:58 EDT MEDICAL ALERT: CANINE DISTEMPER VIRUS EPIDEMIC IN FERRETS American Ferret Association/Committee on Health Affairs Ferrets are highly susceptible to Canine (Dog) Distemper Virus. It can be prevented by routine immunization of ferrets. In the past 2 months, more than 50 ferrets have died of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) in Ohio, Maryland, and West Virginia. Deaths have occurred in unvaccinated animals, in previously vaccinated animals that are not up to date on their CDV immunization, and in kits who have not received their full series of 3 vaccines (usually at 8, 11, & 14 weeks of age). Signs/Symptoms: Tiredness, loss of appetite, rectal puffiness, eye and nasal discharge (may be bloody), rash (often under the chin), diarrhea, hyperexcitability, salivation, seizures, coma, sudden death. Death may occur suddenly, within 5 hours of symptoms, of with almost no symptoms. RECOMMENDATIONS (The following apply to Ferrets & DOGS): 1. The incubation of this strain appears to range from 7 -28 days. If you have attended a ferret event in Maryland or New York within the months of May, June or July, isolate the ferret(s) that attended from your other animals for 5 weeks. Vaccinate your remaining animals. 2. If your animal is up to date on CDV immunization, but due to have an annual booster prior to October 92, get the booster now. Ferrets should be vaccinated with either FERVAC or FROMM-D; do not use other vaccines in ferrets; they may not afford adequate protection. 3. If your animal is over 3 months of age and its vaccination status is unknown, vaccinate your animal (if healthy) immediately; repeat booster in 3 weeks, and then annually. 4. If your animal is 8-12 weeks of age, vaccinate immediately, repeat booster in 3 weeks, and again in 6 weeks from 1st vaccine, then annually. 5. If you have pregnant jills or animals less than 8 weeks of age, contact United Vaccines (1-800-283-6465--Madison, Wisconsin) for information regarding vaccination. 6. ALL AFA EVENTS THROUGH AUG 92 ARE NOW CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Proof of vaccination agains CDV and Rabies will be required for all future AFA Shows. NO EXCEPTIONS. 7. For more information about FERVAC vaccine, contact United Vaccines (1-800-283-6465). For general information, contact Freddie Ann Hoffman, M.D., American Ferret Association at 301-983-3187, or by GEnie E-Mail (F.HOFFMAN3). ----- Nancy Hartman CIS graduate student [log in to unmask] U. of Delaware President and founder, Delaware Valley Ferret Club Owner of Percy & Bree [Posted in FML issue 0272]