Norris Harber -- _Giardia_ is a protozoa that can infect the intestines. In humans, it doesn't cause very much actual distress, just loose stools. The problem is that the protozoa will eventually eat holes in the intestinal wall, which is why doctors take it very seriously. It can be contracted in a variety of ways, the most common (around here) is by drinking stream water while hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I don't know if it harms ferrets' intestinal walls as it does ours, you could ask Dr. Williams. Considering how we cuddle our pets, you might also want to get yourself tested. <Anon> [Posted in FML issue 0752]