Dr, Karen welcome back!
 
As for biters from Canada in Michigan.  Once some time ago I heard a very
very vague rumor that "someone" (a woman?) was breeding polecats or
something into her ferret stock.  Have no idea whther this is true and it
probably wouldn't account for a large number of ferrets.  Doug McKay is a
very large breeder in Central Ohio, not Michigan.  However I do believe that
much of his "bloodlines" may be present in breeder stock here since he was
probably the closest large breeder when they were illegal/then legal here 2
years ago.
 
Yes, Catherine is absolutely right, Michigan is bite and kill - The Scout's
were the first place I have ever taken my ferrets and I was very nervous.
Didn't let the teenager's handle them - just get some cat lax licked off
their outstretched fingers.  Michiganders please be aware that the Great
Lakes Ferret Association is trying to raise enough money to retain a lawyer
and fight the next "winnable" case to strengthen the future fight for a
quarentine period.  A lawyer has said he would do it and would probably cost
8,000.  I think they have 3,000 so far.  By winnable they mean - current
rabies shots - GIVEN BY A VET since home vaccinations are legal for rabies
and no to very minimal possible exposure to rabies (the ferret hadn't
recently gotton out etc.)
 
Mary
[Posted in FML issue 1826]