A good chunk of yesterday was spent in e-mailing (when available) and
phoning some of the states for which we have no replies, or for which there
is still a long process in the works, or an important question unanswered
(Thank goodness for our 10 cents anytime-anyday rate!).  EXCELLENT
information on successfully getting legislation is available from AFA
(1-888-FERRET1) and from Dick Bosssart ( [log in to unmask] ), and there are
probably more packets from others (Ronnie, Troy Lynn, Pam?).  When the
organized effort is underway let folks here know and keep me informed, okay?
Got this by e-mail today from Dr. Mira Leslie, Arizona Public Health
Veterinarian, Arizona Department of Health Services, 3815 N.  Black Canyon
Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85015, 602-230-5917; excerpt:
 
>I sit on the Rabies Compendium committee, and I am satisfied that the
>data collected from the recent ferret rabies research is sufficient to
>make policy that will protect public health.  I do not have any
>problem with supporting a change in Arizona's rabies laws to
>incorporate a 10 day quarantine period for ferrets which bite someone.
>
>Laws do not change until someone, [and it would best done by an organized
>ferret group- with animal control, veterinary, and my support]- puts
>together a legislative initiative, and it passes through the legislative
>process.  Until this is done, our rabies laws do not mention ferrets.
>
>Fortunately though, we have a clause in the law as it stands now that
>reads:
>
>11-1014.B.  Any domestic animal, other than a dog, cat, caged or pet
>rodent or rabbit, that bites any person shall be confined and
>quarantined in a county pound or, upon request and at the expense of
>the owner, at a veterinary hospital for a period of not less than
>fourteen days...
>
>So, ferrets which bite someone can fall under this clause in Arizona , and
>be quarantined for 14 days until the law is changed.
>
>I am in the process of changing our state Manual for Rabies Control and
>Bite Manament to reflect the 14 day quarantine for ferrets, with a caveat
>that the law may change in the future to reduce the quarantine to 10 days.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Dr. Mira Leslie, Arizona Public Health
>Veterinarian
[Posted in FML issue 2202]