I had an angry message composed to reply to mcduff, but I've calmed down
now.  :)
 
A few points: The rabies studies may not have even been done were it not for
interest expressed to the MAF.  Whether or not they 'do any good' I think is
answered by the number of states that have accepted CDC studies in order to
pass quarantine laws for ferrets as have been passed for dogs and cats - and
the number of states that will be trying to pass laws based on this
information, like Michigan.
 
Speaking of MI, I just (as in, today) talked to Sen.  Chris Dingell's office
(specifically, a guy named Joe) about the ferret quarantine legislation they
were working on.
 
It's been introduced, but is not yet scheduled to be heard. They are
waiting for the CDC to adopt a KSU study (I may have my details wrong - it
may just be the state of KS) on risk of rabies in ferrets.  The CDC action
is scheduled to happen come Nov. 1 but may not due to internal politics.
 
Joe recommended we call Congress to ask them to inquire as the status of the
CDC's decision on the KS study.  Rabies quarantine laws and ferrets should
be a federal issue.  Congressional telephone directory:
http://clerkweb.house.gov/mbrcmtee/members/teledir/members/congdir.htm
 
If the CDC does NOT accept the KS study as valid (the KS study shows ferrets
to be less of a rabies risk than cats, said Joe) then MI will probably
proceed with scheduling the legislation for a hearing anyway.  Call after
November 1 for details.
 
Telephone: (517) 373-7800
Fax: (517) 373-9310
Send e-mail to: [log in to unmask]
 
I mentioned to Joe that the results of the bat rabies shed study were in,
and asked if that would make any difference.  Apparently, MI is going to go
with the CDC's acceptance of the KS study if they can.  I also mentioned to
Joe the Sierra Club's and Audobon Society's position on ferrets in CA, and
the CA Park's belief that wild ferrets are going to be a threat to park
goers.  Joe nearly had an apoplectic fit and said he wanted to give them a
call to give them a piece of his mind on the issue.  Heh.
 
Sen. Dingell's office is using CDC studies to further the cause of fair
treatment for ferrets in MI.  Mcduff, please reconsider your statement that
these studies and the CDC are doing no good.  They may not be directly
involved or participating in MI's efforts, but without their research, we'd
have very little to stand on.
 
Melissa
 
 __ Melissa Litwicki ____ [log in to unmask] __
 By the whole newsgroup devoted tennis showing
     it after scarfing fork and laughters
[Posted in FML issue 2104]