I think a good deal of how well the various changes are observed in states
which decide to require quarantine will depend on education in each state.
Unfortunately, we have found in N.J.  that the press here considers this to
be a topic of interest to a small minority.  An editor in the state-wide
paper here was interested (She's a friend and would have just told me
otherwise if that's how she felt.), but have not heard anything more about
that so suspect that her editor-in-chief had other ideas.  At least the info
is on file with the media, since Anne blanketed them, in case an incident
happens in the future.  Vets and some physicians are interested.  Animal
shelters, hospital emergency rooms, animal control officers, and so on need
to know.  The state departments start the information cascade going, but
sometimes those down the line don't pass it on so it's up to ferret people
to do that.
 
Copies of the Compendium are (or will soon be) being offered by Pam Troutman
of Star Ferrets, by the AFA (1-888-FERRET1), and by others.  Your vet may
even let you borrow the relevant issue of JAVMA to photstat the 1998
Compendium of Animal Rabies Control.  Copies of individual state letters
which have arrived (Remember that some states have not replied and no
territories have replied.) will also be available at some point from the
AFA, and from some others who have them such as Troy Lynn at [log in to unmask]
(Give Troy Lynn a bit of time, okay, since she's very busy.) When the
package arrives at Kym's address she will start of the web page, but that
will be a lot of work do give her time.  The folks distributing these have
my permission to regain their costs, and since many have a LOT of expenses
helping ferrets already this is only logical.  If you want to cut your time
tracking down the area's media here are some tips: local papers are often
part of chains so contacting the main office can get you each paper they
have; think about who you know since it may be that a friend or acquaintance
works for a university, hospital, amusement area or other place with an
established public relations list; if you went to college in-state ask at
your alma mater's alumni office for the university media contacts list to be
passed on to you.  Steve and I do NOT have a photostat machine nor do we
have a fax machine so we can't do individual copies.  Sorry, just can't.
 
If your phone book is arranged like our's are there will be special colored
pages for the government offices which will help you find animal control
officers and local health departments.
 
Sending copies of the Compendium and -- when possible -- copies of a letter
from your state's public health vet or epidemiologist (or some other in
charge of the quarantine decision) is the sort of chore any person can do,
and probably a PERFECT look into the workings of public health, government,
and publicity for a teenager or pre-teen.  (No complaints about others doing
it, of course.  All such efforts help save ferrets, in a few states which
kill at the drop of a hat they could literally save hundreds in just a
year!) If it seems like too much work just take it one small step at a time
and it will eventually get done -- which is far better than it never being
done, or consider that perhaps your school has a civics or health club which
may be interested in showing that kids can teach adults now and then, or
maybe you can contact the local ferret clubs for co-workers, or ask at 4H or
other clubs.
 
Sukie
[Posted in FML issue 2194]