Unfortunately, ferrets are used at some teaching colleges- we have been
lucky enough to have one of our state's colleges contact us whenever
they have "retired" research ferrets to pick up. Marshall's does supply
a certain amount of ferrets each year to these teaching facilities. The
college we receive our girls from (they only have females- they think
they are more docile, *snort*) have used these ferrets for human
influenza studies, as well as neonatal intubation.

We pick them up, we only have 24hrs to get there!, bring them home,
spay them and put them up for adoption.

These girls have always been dark sable, with a small metal tag on
their right ear, which has identity numbers on both sides. If Tech is
offering their ferrets to homes, that's a whole lot better than the
alternative. Most teaching facilities euthanize as soon as the project
is over.

Sincerely,
Marlene B.
Director
Richmond Ferret Rescue League

[Posted in FML 6184]