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Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2012 12:55:22 GMT -5
Link HEREEvidence for two new strains of distemper in the USA were found. They are believed to originate from Europe. While distemper typically incubates for about 1-2 weeks, these strains may have longer incubation periods. Because the strain is different, it's quite possible that the current vaccines will not provide protection against these strains. Kinda like how people still get the flu, even though they've been vaccinated. The vaccination doesn't protect against every strain out there, so you can still get infected. Just wanted to bring this to peoples attention. |
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Post by Heather on Jan 31, 2012 13:06:33 GMT -5
Thanks Jackie. Do they know that these originated in the UK or Europe or are we looking at a mutated strain? Do you have the article?
ciao
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Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2012 13:27:53 GMT -5
I linked to the article in the first post, but here is is again  Link HEREThey believe it came from Europe. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2012 14:05:51 GMT -5
Wow, that's so scary...Especially since my guys have had the sneezes lately (obviously not distemper since no other symptoms), but it's still really scary.
So is my understanding correct that only dogs who have distemper or are carriers of it can infect the ferrets? So as long as the ferrets are kept inside, it is much less likely for them to contract it?
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Post by Sherry on Jan 31, 2012 14:09:16 GMT -5
Distemper can be carried inside on shoes as well. You step in where the dog has voided or pooped, and your shoes are now contaminated. Not sure how long the virus lives outside the host body though.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2012 18:12:18 GMT -5
It doesn't live too long. It usually killed by sunlight/heat or disinfectant in the house. But I don't know exactly how long....:-(
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Post by Sherry on Jan 31, 2012 20:16:01 GMT -5
Just checked on that. Here is the info: www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1733&S=0&EVetID=3001640The distemper virus consists of a single strand of RNA, encased in a protein coat that is again encased in a fatty envelope. This sounds esoteric but the fatty envelope makes all the difference in the world. The fatty envelope is easily disrupted in the environment, which makes it impossible for infectious virus to persist in the environment. Because an intact fatty envelope is required for infection, virus transmission must involve dog to dog contact or at least contact with extremely fresh (less than 30 minutes old at 60 degrees and up to 3 hours old at room temperature) infected body secretions. As with other viruses, living virus happily freezes and can survive for years if kept frozen and protected from light. Routine disinfection and cleaning readily kills the distemper virus in a kennel setting. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2012 13:45:50 GMT -5
Does this affect ferrets coming to the US from Europe at all?
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Post by Heather on Feb 17, 2012 17:13:28 GMT -5
All ferrets coming in from out of the country are required to have certain vaccines. They must be given a passport (DEFRA in the UK), showing what inoculations they've had and that they are clear of communicable diseases by a vet certified in dealing with exporting animals. They are then cleared by a customs vet at the receiving city. The customs vet if they see the need may at any time place the pets into quarantine at this end of their journey or refuse entry.
ciao
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