Diane Rogers called me to day with some good Florida news.  In light of the
Compendium and of the new Florida policy to treat ferrets the same as dogs
or cats are treated in terms of quarantine Representative Howard Futch is
sponsoring legislation to FORMALIZE the use of quarantine rather than
sacrifice -- MAKING IT MANDATORY -- for ferrets.  This is to give BETTER
PROTECTION FOR FERRETS against any local departments which might try to
disregard the Compendium change.  Rep.  Futch's Aide asks that those of you
who live in Florida let your OWN legislators know that you agree with
legislation which would allow ferrets to be quarantined rather than killed
in cases when bites or scratches happen (Basically, that the Compendium
helps shape a law.), or when there is exposure to a possibly rabid animal.
So far there is NO opposition to the legislation, but your support can help
the legislation go through faster, and once any anti-ferret-crazies who
don't know squat about ferrets begin to complain (as they probably will)
your support will help over-ride the crazies' foolishness.  Be polite and
logical -- you need these people more than they need you and so far none of
them appear to be against ferrets -- and mention that extensive research has
already been done which made this change of policy by the Committee for the
1998 Compendium of Animal Rabies Control, and the National Association of
State Public Health Veterinarians possible, so you would simply like to see
the current information reflected in law.  If any of the legislators want
copies of the information then those offices should contact Tim at
Representative Futch's office for copies.
[Posted in FML issue 2185]