To Bill and Claire Sebok concerning their first rescue ferret: > We realize that for the sake of our other ferrets we need to take >infectious disease precautions and quarantine her for a period of time. For >what length of time should we quarantine her? What other precautions should we >take to make sure our other ferrets aren't exposed to any diseases from her? >We would appreciate any advice. Bill - First of all, I wouldn't let her mingle until you have taken her to the vet and had a good checkup, including a fecal check for coccidia. Also, I'm sure that your ferrets are up to date for distemper shots (but it's a good reminder for anyone else who is in a similar situation). Concerning epizootic catarrhal enterisi (the GD) - there really isn't a good quarantine period - we know ferrets can shed the virus as long as four months and probably even longer. Best of luck, -- Bruce Williams, DVM, DACVP Department of Veterinary Pathology [log in to unmask] Armed Forces Institute of Pathology [log in to unmask] Washington, D.C. 20306-6000 (202) 782-2600/2602 [Posted in FML issue 1161]