Hi all! Two things:
 
On 'comatose' sleeping ferrets-they seem to do this when they are
VERY comfortable with their lifestyle and habitat-no need to be on
'alert' for danger!
 
On Ferret Legislation in Michigan:
 
A bill to allow ferret to be kept as pets in Michigan (HB4495) is being
redrafted after an informal hearing with the bill's sponsor, a very
patient Lynn Owen. There was a disagreement betiween the Michigan Humane
Society and the Great Lakes Ferret Association as to breeding
requirements. With some helpful input form MVMA's Ferret Committee
Chair, Dr. Joel Schiff, a compromise appears to have been reached. The
only opposition appears now to be from the Michigan Department of
Public Health. The MDPH is concerned that they will not have
sufficient staffing to respont to the increased number of bite reports
and rabies examination anticipated if ferrets are legal to own. The
bill's sponsor has asked for documentation that this has occurred in
any of the 46 states where ferrets may be kept as pets. It is expected
that the final wording in the bill will require:
1. Ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies if over 12 weeks of age.
2. Ferret bites to be reported to a public health department and
   owners would have to comply with the rabies compendium if a human
   bite occurred (i.e., euthanasia and rabies examination)
3. Hobby breeders (those not registered with the federal government)
   to comply with fairly strict husbandry regulations, including:
     a. A contract whereby the hobby breeder agrees to take back
        any ferret they sell, without questions and prohibiting
        the buyer from transferring the ferret to anyone else.
     b. Prohibiting any sale prior to 10 weeks of age.
     c. Establishing a veterinary care program that includes
        periodic visits from the veternarian to monitor the health
        and husbandry.
4. Ferrets to be confined or on a leash if off the owner's premises.
5. If imported into Michigan, ferrets are to be:
     a. Accompanied by a health certificate.
     b. Vaccinated against rabies if over 12 weeks of age.
     c. Vaccinated against distemper if over 6 weeks of age.
     d. Accompanied by its natural mother if under 6 weeks of age.
6. Anyone recieving a ferret to be provided with information on ferret
   health requirements.
 
>From News & Views, the newsletter of the Michigan Veterinary Medical
Association.
 
Distribute freely. Respectfully, Paul in MI and the gang!!
 
>>> End of Message <<<
 
[Posted in FML issue 0825]