From:
katharine@nettally.com
Date: 2002-10-13 16:21:57 UTC
Subject: RE: stray ferret quarantine questions
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <4799935.1034526117053.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Author wrote:
> Four of my ferrets are up-to-date on distemper vaccs, but Odin, who's almost 4 has suffered several severe reactions and on the advice of 3 vets is not vaccinated anymore. The stray has now been in captivity for 9 days and is still showing no signs of illness. If she was exposed to distemper, how long would it take for her to show symptoms? Longer than 9 days? >
I have read that the incubation period for distemper can be up to 45 days. You would be taking a risk to bring this ferret (or any other strange animal) into your home before that time.
In addition, since you have an unvaccinated ferret in your home, I would strongly suggest that you completely change clothes, including shoes, and shower after visiting the ferret at your friend's house. When I volunteer at a wildlife rehab facility, I undress in the garage and take a shower before getting around my ferrets, and mine are all vaccinated.
Katharine