Roger and FML readers,
 
        This response is inreference to the STAR*/ACME Vaccination survey which
Roger had some questions on.  Allow ME to clarify Rogers concerns regarding the
Vaccination survey...
 
The cover sheet for the survey was initially written as such, but later
clarified to explain the choice of word (ie "investigation") to mean "looking
into informally at a users request".  Some surveys have had the "cover sheet"
retyped and unfortunatly, STAR* can not control what is added or subtracted.
For example, one such orange sheet actually states not to use FERVAC-D on your
ferrets - STAR* at no point made that statement.
 
"Now as for the survey itself-
        If I read Ann's breakdown of the data collection process correctly,
(which I have no quarrel with- it was well thought out) All forms which didn't
have the name of the respondent on them were discarded." - Roger
        STAR*'s collection of the survey responses did not discard anyones
surveys - all were counted.  The Independent Voice's assessment of the data may
have discarded annonymous sources for the purpose of their analysis.  The Voice
was provided only with surveys that had been copied and mailed to _both_ USDA
and United Vaccines - i.e., more surveys had been received but were not provided
to LIFE because the other parties involved had not seen the results.
 
" Yet the instructions state that "If you vaccinate your own animals and wish to
remain anonymous,
please just fill in the city and state where you live."" - Roger
        That was for the purpose of people living in Ferret Free zones.
 
       " Also, they included TWO copies of the questionnaire  with the mailing.
One was to be returned to star for compilation into the databas, the other was
to be sent directly to the USDA. Since the results of the survey are being
provided to the UDSA, wouldn't this tend to confuse the results? " - Roger
        Why would this confuse results?  I don't understand.  STAR* receives an
answer.  USDA receives an answer.  USDA was not putting answers into a database,
as far as I knew - they were relying on STAR* to compile and sort the
information.  STAR* was just providing hardcopies so USDA could read user
comments (and there were lots of them, expecially from Veterinarians).  STAR*
also sent hardcopies to United Vaccines because, even though users were told to
contact them directly, I was not so sure that people always were.  I knew of
several persons who called, left messages with the receptionist, and were never
called back.
 
"Further on,they say that "Even if you've filled out one of these for STAR*
before, we ask that you do it again, since you may have vaccinated more ferrets
since we initially sent out this survey." Forgive my apprehension but wouldn't
this duplicate data?" - Roger
        No, I was very careful to screen via the city/state input and pull all
hardcopies to check for persons who provided additional data.  Only ONE entry
per person was allowed.  There were very few unsigned surveys so this was not
difficult at all.
 
 "I'm sorry some people have to let their petty differences get in the way of a
good cause. We did receive over 650 responses [to Roger's census] and will still
compile the data and distribute it to anyone who still has an interest.[soapbox
mode off]" - Roger
        STAR* would be interested in a copy of your census results when you are
done tabulating.
 
If ANYONE wants to know about STAR* (*Shelters That Adopt & Rescue Ferrets),
myself (Pamela Grant), or what we are doing, saying, printing, thinking,
surveying, dreaming, etc. please contact me through private e-mail on Compuserve
(73613,231), America on Line (STAR Feret), GEnie (P.Grant6), call my phone -
703-354-5073, or drop me a line at STAR* Ferrets, PO Box 1714, Springfield, VA
22151-0714.  If you provide a return address, I will respond.
 
Some can twist things around all they like, but we do things for the good of
ferrets.  United Vaccines FINALLY believed ferret owners when STAR* put the
pressure on to see WHAT reactions, if any, were occuring with the use of their
product, Solvay's and others.  IT WAS NOT THE STERILE DILLUTANT!  I have tried
United's latest batch and it does not cause discomfort any longer when injected.
STAR* does not endorse products (like IFA and AFA), but I would like everyone to
know that I have just ordered 20 FERVAC-D and 20 FROMM-D for my household and
adoptees.  I do and will support those trying to make life better for ferrets.
 
For the love of ferrets, Pam
 
[Posted in FML issue 0728]