Message Number: YG4240 | New FHL Archives Search
From: ubkarate@yahoo.com
Date: 2001-06-02 16:42:00 UTC
Subject: ECE Questions

Dr. Williams,

I'm trying to learn as much about ECE as I can. After experiencing
the virus first hand and having ferrets(ages 4-6)that had varying
degrees of symptoms ranging from mild to death I am now terrified to
buy a new ferret. I had 6 ferrets, bought my 7th ferret and now have
5 ferrets because my baby carried the virus into the house.

I have read the information about ECE on your website and it says
that a ferret can shed the virus up to 6 months following infection.
I had 4 ferrets become critically ill a week after I brought the new
ferret home(the baby ferret was kept separate from the other ferrets
for a week)and 2 ferrets that didn't become ill until 2 months after
the virus hit the house.

IF YOU BRING HOME A NEW FERRET THAT IS INFECTED WITH THE VIRUS, HOW
LONG WILL THAT FERRET BE INFECTIOUS?

I kept the baby isolated for a week. As soon as I let him with the
others the virus spread like wild fire.

WOULD THE BABY HAVE TO BE KEPT ISOLATED FROM THE OTHERS FOR 6 MONTHS
TO BE ABSOUTALEY SURE IT DIDN'T CARRY THE VIRUS?

The baby had one day of slimy stool. That was the only sign that the
virus existed in him. He appears to be a normal healthy ferret
although he eats very little food therefore has little stool. He has
a good weight(over 3 pounds) drinks water good and eats but it is in
small amounts.

Of the 5 ferrets left: 1 is the baby who is under 1 yr, 1 is 4yrs
old, 2 are over 5yrs old, and 1 is now over 6yrs old and still
recovering. I will do nothing to cause these ferret more harm. They
are older and can't handle more. IS THERE ANY WAY TO BUY A NEW FERRET
WITHOUT PUTTING THE OTHER FERRETS IN HARMS WAY? I can't see one.

Thanks for your time.

Angie