Ferret Footnotes

Monthly Newsletter of the
Ferret Lovers' Club of Texas

JUNE 1997
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Communicable Diseases

June Meeting Topic (by Dr. Erika Matulich)

One of the most frequent type of question received by the Ferret Lovers' Club of Texas is about disease transmission. "Can my ferret catch leukemia from my cat?" "Can I give my ferret my cold?" "Can my ferret give her green slime disease to my child?" We have attempted to compile as complete a list as possible of diseases that ferrets can catch and/or give from/to other family members, as well as diseases we routinely vaccinate our other pets or children against. These are presented in categories, such as gastrointestinal ailments, respiratory problems, and other important diseases.

Gastrointestinal Ailments

Ferrets can suffer from a wide variety of gastrointestinal ailments that cause diarrhea, or other types of unusual stools. Because there are so many sources of these problems, a fecal check may be the best bet for accurate diagnosis. Many of these may be preceded by vomiting. These ailments include:

Aleutians disease (a form of parvovirus): ferrets can catch this. Causes gastrointestinal and neurological problems, no effective treatment available. Contagious from ferret to ferret.

Botulism: food poisoning from canned food that has spoiled. Potentially fatal (to both humans and pets). Do not feed your ferrets food that you would not eat, or food from old, dented cans. Vomiting and diarrhea occurs, with rapid onset of shock.

Coccidia: intestinal parasites causing loose stools or stomach upset. Highly contagious from ferret to ferret; may also transmit to other pets and humans.

Cryptosporidiosis: potential disease with all humans and animals from water filtration problems. Difficult to diagnose; would be seen as severe gastrointestinal upset.

Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis (ECE): The "greenies" is highly contagious from ferret to ferret, but does not appear to transmit to other pets or humans.

Giardia (Montezuma's Revenge): highly contagious to and among humans, cats, dogs, ferrets through fecal-oral contact. Usual source: fishtanks, rodents (pet hamsters or rats), stagnant water. Gastrointestinal upset, ulcers and other problems may result. Treat with antibiotics and/or paste wormers.

Proliferative Colitis: Camphylobacter infection of the intestine. Can treat with antibiotics. Humans and ferrets can get this. Unknown transmission.

Salmonella: Can easily be caught by both humans and ferrets; causes severe gastrointestinal upset. Could be transmitted by reptiles. Do NOT feed your ferrets raw eggs or raw chicken, which both carry salmonella. Those who have caught salmonella can potentially spread it.

Respiratory Problems

Ferrets can also suffer from a wide variety of lung and nose ailments. Often, these can be allergies, so make sure you are not using scented laundry detergent or fabric softener on their bedding, avoid smoking around ferrets, clean litterboxes at least daily, and don't use insecticides in the house.

Bordatella bronchiseptia (kennel cough): normal to be carried by dogs, cats, humans, and ferrets; appears when immune system is stressed or when exposed to high concentrations (such as when boarding your ferret in a dog kennel). Do not treat ferrets with preventive dog medications (nasal drops); it can CAUSE bordatella; treat with antibiotics post-infection.

Cold, Common Human: transmits from humans to ferrets.

Histoplasmosis: deep fungal disease from bat guano. Results in pneumonia-like symptoms.

Pneumonia, human respiratory: no evidence this transmits to or from ferrets.

Pneumocystic pneumonia: protozoal disease common in HIV patients, could be transmittable to ferrets with suppressed immune systems.

Rhinotracheitis: cat specific disease apparently nontransmittable to other pets or humans.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus: seen in human infants; ferrets could be prone to catching this if their immune systems are depressed. Possible transmission from human to ferret and back to humans.

Tuberculosis: seen in ferrets in New Zealand. Can be transmitted back and forth between ferrets and humans. This strain's source is usually a monkey.

Other Diseases

There are a variety of other diseases that cause skin, eye, urinary tract, or other problems. The most important disease to protect your ferret against is Canine Distemper.

Chlamydia psittaci: a potential problem for ferrets, resulting in conjunctivitis of the eye. Could be caught from parrots. Potentially transmittable from infected ferret to human.

Coronavirus: not transmittable to ferrets from dogs.

Cryptococcosis (menengial encephalitis): 3 cases found in ferrets; a deep fungal disease from pigeon excreta and soil.

Distemper, feline: not transmittable from cats to ferrets.

Distemper, canine: 99.8% fatal in ferrets. Your ferret must be vaccinated. Airborne and easily caught.

Flu, human viral influenza type A: transmittable back and forth between humans and ferrets.

Feline AIDS: Unknown; thought not to transmit to other animals.

Human diseases we vaccinate against: diptheria, mumps, measles, whooping cough, polio. These do not transmit to or from ferrets.

Infectious canine hepatitis: no evidence this can be transmitted to ferrets.

Leptospirosis: a potential problem for ferrets (and humans), but uncommon. The bacterial infection may cause a UTI. Treat with antibiotics.

Leukemia, feline: not transmittable from cats to ferrets.

Parvovirus, feline (Panleukopenia): not seen in ferrets.

Parvovirus, canine: the canine form does not appear to be in ferrets.

Rabies: ferrets unlikely to get this from rodents, foxes, or skunks; might get from raccoon bite; unknown from cats, dogs, or bats. Vaccinate your ferret yearly against rabies.

Ringworm: fungal infection causing circular rashes; highly contagious to humans and other animals.

Tetanus clostridium: potential danger to ferrets, as with humans. Usually enters through a puncture wound, causing stiff walking, "wooden tongue" and slobbering.

Toxoplasmosis: rarely seen in ferrets. A ferret can ingest oocytes from cat feces, but does not appear to re-shed the oocytes. In cat feces, can cause placental separation in pregnant women. To be safe, pregnant women should not change the litterbox of a cat and/or ferret.

DISTEMPER VACCINE UPDATE
- After GALAXY-D, What?

By Pamela Troutman Grant (STAR*Ferrets)

[Note from the Editor: I recently took the crew of ten into the vet to get their annual canine distemper shots. Dr. Kendrick and I followed all prescribed regimens. We did not pre-treat any of the ferrets, because none had ever had a history of reacting to distemper shots. First, the ferrets were given half-doses of Fervac-D (research has shown that half-doses are as efficacious as full doses and less likely to cause a reaction). Second, ferrets were injected in the hip, rather than the shoulder, as chances of a reaction are lessened with a hip injection. Third, we waited an hour, checking the ferrets every 15 minutes for sign of any reaction. The ferrets looked happy and healthy 60 minutes later, and we all went home. Ninety-three minutes after receiving his injection, Thor, a 10-month old male, began going into anaphylactic shock. He collapsed on the floor, began drooling, and was only semi-responsive. Then, to my horror, he began massive rectal bleeding. A panicked phone call to Dr. Kendrick confirmed that this shock can target the gastrointestinal system, causing bleeding, and that I would need to treat him immediately with 3 cc's of pediatric Benadryl, given orally, as a 30-minute drive back to the vet might be too late. I always have pediatric Benadryl on hand in case of emergencies just like this. It is important to note that you cannot (or should never) force liquids down an unconscious animal, so I had to get this into Thor before he passed out. Fortunately, he responded well to the anti-histamine, and within an hour, his drooling and bleeding had stopped, and I was delighted to see him steal my shoe and drag it under the bed to join the rest of his stash (he was clearly back to normal). This frightening little episode highlights the problem with ferret distemper vaccines, which is explored more fully below. - Erika Matulich]

The news first came out from the pet trade industry magazines late in 1996: "American Home Products Corp. has announced that it is entering into an agreement with Solvay S.A. to purchase its worldwide animal health business for approximately $450 million. The purchase should become effective before December 31, 1996. This new acquisition will be combined with the American Homes' veterinary division, Fort Dodge Animal Health."

Then, in early 1997, concerned ferret owners started contacting the vaccine companies and found that the Solvay vaccine for just distemper (Galaxy-D) was considered an "orphan drug" and not a big seller. Ferret owners might lose the only alternative vaccine to FERVAC-D. This would cause several things to happen.

1. United Vaccines (FERVAC makers) would have a monopoly on the ferret distemper market.
2. There would be either be fewer people vaccinating for fear of FERVAC reactions, or no alternative vaccine in the case of severe reactions to FERVAC. Alternatives are needed for annual vaccinations when an animal reacts to a specific brand of drug.

A write-in campaign was initiated by STAR* Ferrets to show interest in Galaxy-D and its need for the ferret community. It would be nice to have it USDA-approved for ferrets, but more importantly, the vaccine needed to be preserved to offer a choice or alternative for protecting our pets.

Dr. Rene C. Gandolfi, a veterinarian in California, shared this information with us: "The company [Schering-Plough] purchased Solvay's domestic biological line (vaccines), but the purchase agreement means that they will be producing the *same* product as Solvay did. Therefore Galaxy-D is not equivalent to the old Fromm-D. It is produced with tissue culture technology not chick embryo. Also sounds like the purchase agreement sort of ties Schering's hands for at least a year before they can change any of the production or labeling, etc., so a mass phone/letter campaign probably is not going to result in much change. The reason that Galaxy-D is not approved for ferrets (licensed) is that it is so costly for the company to do the testing that the government requires for the license. Fort Dodge now owns the rights to the line but because of Federal Trade Commission requirements has had to give the product over to Schering-Plough. I know that both companies have vets in their technical branch that are pushing for testing and license for ferrets but even if the companies go ahead, it will be a minimum of two years. I would like to enlist veterinarians around the country to participate in an unofficial "field trial" of the various vaccines that are out there. I believe that if we can get 5-10 vets across the country to participate, we can have meaningful information within a year.... Ask the vets to contact me by e-mail at CRTTRFXR@compuserve.com, or by fax at 510-727-1379 and we'll try to set up a national study. Thanks, Dr. Gandolfi".

In this vein, STAR* Ferrets conducted a survey of distemper vaccinations many years ago. The most predominant vaccines in use were Fervac, Galaxy and the former Fromm-D. But there were other vaccines used in ferrets, and they did not cause any reactions. These vaccines were: FORT DODGE (DURAMUNE), GALAXY 6 MPHL, and VANGUARD. [However, these vaccines are "multi-strain," and are combined with Parvo, Lepto, and Hepatitis, among others, which are not necessary for ferrets, and can even cause harm. - ed.]

The most important thing to remember about vaccinating a ferret against distemper is that the vaccine CAN NOT be made with a ferret based serum (very rare these days). Most vaccines are made with modified-live chick embryo cultures, but newer lines, like the Solvay products, are made with simian cultures. There is no reason to believe that Galaxy-D, which replaced Fromm-D, protects any less despite the change in culture origin.

Dr. Gandolfi cautions against the use of multi-strain vaccinations. He muses that too many chemicals in a small animal's system is sure to increase a reaction. This is one reason the ferret community cautions against vaccinating a ferret against distemper and rabies in the same vet visit. These vaccinations should be given at least one, preferably two, weeks apart. First off, it will lessen the chance of a vaccine induced reaction. Secondly, it will enable the vet to determine WHICH vaccine the ferret is reacting to. A ferret may have a reaction to the rabies shot, and still be able to receive annual distemper vaccinations. In the case of a rabies shot reaction, it is advised that ferrets not be re-vaccinated.

Another noted point was the injection site. There were fewer reactions, and hardly any severe reactions noted, when ferrets were injected in the rump, rear area of the body, as compared with the shoulder, neck arm area.

In the case of a distemper vaccination reaction, United Vaccines recommends that the ferret be pre-treated with Benadryl a half hour before being injected with FERVAC-D. Many veterinarians prefer not to have to pre-treat a ferret, and choose to inoculate the ferret with an alternative distemper vaccine like Galaxy-D. There have been no reported cases of a single ferret reacting to BOTH brands of canine distemper vaccines.

But if Galaxy-D is deemed an orphan drug and discontinued by Solvay/Schering-Plough, what alternative do we as ferret owners and shelter operators have? We can start using canine vaccinations developed for multiple disease control, and overload our small friends with more chemicals than needed. We can use a vaccine that is USDA approved for use in ferrets, but is known to have a higher reaction rate than any of it's peer vaccines. Or, we can stop vaccinating and take our chances. I'm not happy with any of these choices. I suggest we work towards keeping Galaxy-D alive, and even better, get it approved for use in ferrets.

From the Independent Ferret News Service Volume I, Number 1, 4/97

CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY PASSES FERRET BILL BY OVERWHELMING MARGIN

AB 363, the bill to legalize private ownership of domestic ferrets in the state of California, passed the Assembly floor on June 5. The final vote was 64 ayes, 8 noes, and 8 abstaining or not voting. The bill now faces a much tougher fight in the state senate.

Jan Goldsmith, author of the Assembly bill, said AB 363 may get an early hearing in the Senate Natural Resources Committee, which killed an earlier ferret bill, SB 55, in a 3-7 vote.

People residing in or planning to travel to California should bear in mind, however, that ferret ownership is still illegal in the state - Hawaii is the only other state where ferrets are banned - and that ferrets captured by animal control or other authorities in California are subject to being euthanized or confiscated and sent out of state for adoption by *new owners."

The bill's leading opponent is the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), which has waged a nonstop battle, complete with aggressive disinformation campaigns, to depict the ferret as a vicious baby-mauling creature that could escape into the wild and constitute a threat to endangered bird species and livestock(!). SB 55 was also opposed by a number of humane groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, animal rights groups, environmentalist groups, the California Department of Health Services, and the powerful California Farm Bureau. This year humane groups did not lobby against the bill, but the California branches of two leading environmentalist groups - Sierra Club and the Audubon Society - waged proactive campaigns to defeat it, again on the ludicrous pretext that domestic ferrets constituted a "threat to the environment." Deluged in the last few weeks by angry letters, faxes and email messages from ferret supporters in California and across the nation, the national headquarters of the two groups publicly took a position of neutrality on the ferret issue, while claiming they had no control over the actions of their state chapters.

Californians for Ferret Legalization (CFL) met with leaders of the two state organizations in late May to give them accurate information to counteract the lies provided by DFG, but it is not yet clear whether Sierra and Audubon will continue to oppose the bill in the senate. According to CFL's Jeanne Carley, after the meeting the Audubon official appeared to have backed off somewhat from opposition, but ferret supporters should continue to "keep up the letters and phone calls, especially to the Sierra Club."
CFL also expressed appreciation to everyone who sent letters and emails or made phone calls, noting that "it is paying off and we may be able to get these organizations to back off their previous positions" before the bill gets to the senate floor. And Californians, Carley added, should now start contacting their state senators and urging them to vote for AB 363.

Further information and updates on the CA battle may be accessed at the CFL web site www.ccnet.com/~beisners/gsfs/lobby.html

From the Independent Ferret News Service Volume I, Number 2, 6/97

FERRETS LEGAL IN SAN ANTONIO!

The City Council of San Antonio has passed a resolution removing ferrets from the prohibited species list, so ferrets are legal within the city limits of San Antonio, TX. The members of SAFE (San Antonio Ferret Enthusiasts) have done a terrific job in getting support for this action. Congratulations!!!

Behind-the-scenes work continues for other cities in Texas in putting together a legalization "kit" with various modules on biting, rabies, shelter statistics, euthanasia, etc. for use in legal battles around TX!

FERRET OLYMPICS ANNOUNCED!

The second annual Ferret Olympics will be held on Saturday, October 4 at the Grand Prairie Community Center from 2:00 - 6:00. More details will follow in later newsletters. Volunteers are needed for the show committee! Volunteers will also be needed at the show to help run booths, monitor cages, take admissions, and time events. We also need people to ask for sponsors or raffle donations.

We will have shelters present, along with vendors. Items for sale from the club will include t-shirts, greeting cards, ferret socks, clear dryer hose, ferret calendars, handbooks, etc.

This year's events will include: maze race, longest kisser, paper-sack escape, cup-tip, best weasel war dance, heaviest male, lightest female, best ferret trick, tube race, most yawns in a minute, and the best-dressed/costume contest. If you have any suggestions for other events, please feel free to give your input! We are also considering bobbing for raisins, plant digging, and climbing events.

FERRET OF THE MONTH COVER PHOTO

The Ferret of the Month Cover photo features a ferret practicing for the "paper sack escape" in the upcoming Ferret Olympics. Photo was taken by Marlene Indermark. Can anyone identify the ferret?

Would you like your ferret to be featured as a cover photo? Or published in the new handbook? Send photographs to the editor (see page 2), and with a SASE, they will be returned. Be sure to identify the ferret, include any information, and mark the photo with your name and address.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Welcome to new members for the month of JUNE:

• Amy Searer and Jesse Townsend, owned by Samantha, and two new babies who are as yet unnamed.
• Heather and Bart Mitchell, owned by Fievel.

It was good seeing all new ferrets and their humans at the meeting!

June Business Meeting Minutes

Ferret Olympics and ECE.
We will be holding the 1997 Ferret Olympics on October 4, 1997 and will be hosting both ECE and Non-ECE ferrets. As with last year, the two groups of ferrets will be housed in separate locations, and will run separate events, with non-ECE ferrets always going first. All ferrets will be handled with latex gloves by inspecting veterinarians, with glove changes and disinfectant between. We had ZERO ECE transmissions at last years' Olympics.

Ferret Olympics: HELP NEEDED
The Show Committee needs members and volunteers for show planning, setup, vendor contact, running booths, judging events, finding raffle donors, etc. WE NEED EVERYONE TO PARTICIPATE!

Advertising
A large expenditure for advertising was proposed. First, City & Country Pets Magazine now wants $150 per year to post our monthly club listing. Second, we would like a presence in Modern Ferret, which is also about $150 per year. Discussion ensued, and meeting attendees decided that advertising was a good idea, and we would need to raise funds to cover the fees. We already have a presence in Ferrets USA, but further advertising may be explored there. Please continue to have input as to how your dues dollars are spent!

Fundraising - Spaghetti Dinner
In order to raise funds for advertising and to finance our upcoming Ferret Olympics, a spaghetti dinner has been proposed. The dinner would probably be in late summer or early fall. Details to follow.

Ferret Portrait Photography
Some vendors are interested in either shooting ferret photos at a meeting, or setting up a booth at the Ferret Olympics. However, an idea of needs/wants/demand needs to be established. Would members like PACKAGES (less expensive, 3-4 shots are chosen by photographer), or PROOFS (more expensive, but customer chooses photos). We will ask for feedback in the July meeting.

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