Annie,

Do NOT feed the kitten cow's milk. I think the vet meant a milk supplement, such as KMR. Most cats are lactose intoleraant and will have diarrhea if given milk. That will only make the kitten more dehydrated.

Distempter is a bacteria that is airborne and can remain airborne for up to a year.

Here are some links that explain all about Feline Distemper, also known as Panleukopenia.

http://www.allpetsmacomb.com/felinedistemper.html

http://www.starbreezes.com/11/fdistemper.html

http://www.purina.com/cats/health.asp?article=111

http://www.compuserb.com/cyberserb/felinedr.htm