For Immediate release....
 
     A study to determine the shedding period of rabies virus in the saliva
of domestic ferrets is currently underway at Kansas State University, in
cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control.  The goal of this study,
headed by Deborah J. Briggs of the College of Veterinary medicine, is to
determine the shedding period of, ultimately, all of the strains of rabies
virus present in the US. This must be done because different strains may
produce different shedding times.  The study currently underway is examining
the Midwestern Skunk strain, using a procedure which detects rabies virus
protein in the saliva.
     Since no federal funding is available for this kind of study, the
University has set up a special foundation account whereby ferret owners can
contribute directly to the studies.  In order to complete all the required
testing, approximately $100,000 is needed.  Dr Briggs would like all ferret
clubs and individual ferret owneres to contribute to this fund so that the
study can be completed.  Completeion of this study could mean the end of
particularly heated debate between ferret owners, state legislators and
health officials, as rabies is a particularly vulnerable issue in many
fanciers' efforts to get or keep ferret ownership legal in their states.
     Anyone interested in supporting this research should make checks
payable to the KSU Foundation Research Ferret Project, and send them to:
 
KSU Foundation Research Ferret Project
 ATTN:  Dr Deborah J. Briggs
 College of Veterinary Medicine
 Kansas State University
 Manhatan, Kansas  66506
 
     ferret clubs should stress to their membership that this is an ongoing
research project -- not a proposal.  The more quickly funds are raised, the
more quickly the results will be in.  Therefore it behooves every club in
the US and Canada to vigorously pursue fundraising efforts as quickly as
possible.
 
Received this Dec 3  ---release date is Nov 26, 1993
 sent by FURO to Legion Of Superferrets National Club
 
Rose
 President, Legion Of Superferrets
 
[Posted in FML issue 0659]