This thing is getting weird. Following are messages I uploaded from GEnie last night. Some people are very worried! (Note I was unable to get permission from the authors to repost these notes. I hope it is not a problem - please contact me if you would like me to refrain from reposting). Bill [I deleted most - already included above] From GEnie: ---------- Message 293 Sat Apr 03, 1993 P.GRANT6 [Pam/Pet Pals] at 11:42 EST Ok - update time...... Mysterious virus - you all may recall a "virus" I complained about right after the Feb 6 FURO show. Well, maybe Dr. K thinks what the Johnson's have is unrelated,but I don't. Georgia Bailey set a ferret for breeding throught the Johnson's to me after the show. It has runny stool. the next thing I know, everyone has this green runny poop. I got the Amoxi out. I thought I had it licked, but every ferret that comes into the house comes down with it. I lost Scooter to it and now Agnes is thin, has the runs, and her nose is turning yellow (hepetitis). I has returned Georgia's ferret to the Johnson's after breeding it, and she said she was not having major problems in her household until recently. Now Gina has lost two ferrets. I THINK (my opinion - not a vet's) that this virus is triggered by stress. It is in our homes due to being transferred at the shows, and we are stuck with it. As ferrets get older or catch colds, or possibly other simple problems, the "virus" can activate with the immunization system being low and take a ferret out in a matter of a few days. Those of us with multiple ferret households of larger than most magnitude (shelters, breeders) may not notice what is happening until it is too late. I'm running Amoxi through all the ferrets and Chloromycetan Palmatate (sp?) through the sick one. Agnes was in a cage with a four year old male and a 7 year old female and both are fine. Scooter was in with four other ferrets and they are all fine. It hits at random based on the lesser hardier ferrets. Males traditionally are more resistant to colds and viruses. I don't know how to knock this thing out. It has been two months and I think it is still in my house. It is treatable, but must be acted upon as soon as the signs show up. I am bring NO adoptees to the Lehigh show - even if I had any! I am bringing a male kit for the mutt specialty, but will scratch him if the Benner's are worried. I do not plan on having out for display. My German ferrets are fine and I understand Peter Koch has lost one of his females that he brought back from Germany. Keep a close eye on your girls - especially the pet shop varieties. Any further questions, please call me. Pam [Posted in FML issue 0448]