From:
FurTulsa
Date: 2001-03-29 15:19:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Re: Seagull Poop?
From Jaclyns comments.. I must apologize for not thinking to
point that out in my first post.
I should have pointed out that while it IS a virus transmitted
through bird poop, it WAS stated to them and I that it is very
RARE for it to actually effect almost any species and it is
like a one in a million case of becoming sick from it. There
is just occasionally that unfortunate one.
I in no way believe this is a constant threat or a reason to
never take your ferrets outside. In the hypothesis of walking
a ferret in the park they are less likely to be affected by
this virus than they are to be attacked and mauled by a
strange dog you didn't see coming.
I totally agree with Jaclyn, this is a case where the risk is
far outweighed by the benefits.
Susan
Hi Lynne and Susan and all,
(I don't want to name names on the list, if you want to know,
ask,but these two vets are highly respected among ferret
folks.) I spoke with the VERY experienced vet who did the
necropsy on Kif and the again VERY experienced vet who is
taking care of my lymphoma boy and they both stated that
taking the ferrets to the beach, to the park, out
back...anywhere,CAN subject them to the cryptococcus fungus.
However, we all (people, ferrets, dogs, etc.) are subjected to
this on a daily basis. It's just the very rare case that
picks it up.
I was feeling pretty guilty but both vets explained how it
worked, etc., and said it would be foolish to keep the animals
inside just for fear of this. Like staying inside so as not
to get hit by airplane, for example. Please don't feel guilty
taking your ferrets to the park. All in all, it's quite safe.
For me, and the couple referred to below, it was a tragic
fluke. But, we would be miserable and our fuzzies much worse
off if we coddled them inside on constantly mopped floors with
sterilized toys and disinfected hammocks. :)That's no life.
"Caution is marvelous. Overzealous caution, though robs the
fun of life and is generally detrimental to our species."
-George WeaverIf the vets on the list have something to add
this or to correct my words in my early am confusion...please
do!
Jaclyn