Ferreter says:
>The first time fipronil was mentioned in the BSAVA Manual of Exotic
>Pets was in either 1996 or 1997 - it is still in the 2002 edition.  If
>vets were so concerned why was the reference not changed?
 
I say: The chapter on ferrets in that book was written by Nico Shoemaker,
as you suggest, around 1996/7.  Fipronil was a new and novel treatment at
that time.  But here's what he says now, in an email I received from him
on the 6th November 2003:
 
"Another advantage of the topical application of selamectin (over
fipronil) is that it does not need to be administered within the ear
canal.  Therefore there is no risk of an ototoxic effect of the drug if
the eardrum is not intact"
 
"I understand the concern that veterinarians do not read a text, but just
a table.  Unfortunately I am unable to change that.  I also agree that
according to the guidelines Selamectine should be used over fipronil.
At the time of writing this was not as clear, as it is now.  In the
Netherlands only Selamectine is now advised!"
 
Ferreter says:
>When I spoke to my own vet regarding your threatening letter to him ...
 
I say: Your vet has certainly never received a threatening letter from
me, or anyone else that I am aware of.
 
Ferreter says:
>We have repeatedly requested instances where actual ferrets have been
>harmed by Frontline but you have not come up with one case - you just
>quote a lot of mumbo jumbo at us i.e. the potential dangers of using
>Frontline - as I said before drugs are dangerous.
 
The holder of the marketing authority for Frontline in the UK, Merial, in
a statement issued to us on the 18th August 2003 said:
 
"Do not apply Frontline directly into the ears of ferrets, or indeed any
other mammal.  Follow the manufacturer s instructions and only apply
Frontline topically.  In the event of a ruptured ear drum, products
introduced into the outer ear may enter the inner ear and cause damage.
Frontline is not licensed in any species for use in the ear canal."
 
Ferreter says:
>BTW one of my ferrets has dilated cardiomyopathy and MY vet has put
>him on 1/10 of a 5 mg tablet of Fortekor a day... a non licensed drug
>for ferret use, does this meet with your approval?  Or do I just let
>Tiberius die?
 
I say: The issue under debate is not whether unlicensed drugs should be
used on ferrets or any other animal.  The issue is whether unqualified
people like yourself are proper advocates for a potentially dangerous and
apparently unnecessary treatment for ear mites in ferrets.  It is not for
me to prove, to your satisfaction, that fipronil has actually damaged one
or more ferrets as a result of being introduced into the ear canal.  It
is for you to prove that it has not.
 
These points and many others have been explained to Ferreter many times
when she has made similar accusations in other Internet forums.  It is
difficult for me to find the time to respond fully to the blizzard of
nonsense that Ferreter and her friends have posted on this Frontline
issue, but if anyone has any serious points that they would like to put
to me, then please email me and I will do my best to give a sensible
reply.
 
Eric Corbett
 
[Moderator's note: Selamectin is sold in the US under the tradename
"Revolution".  BIG]
[Posted in FML issue 4390]