I have not heard of this being in the list of approved projects, though it
might be.
 
The way it works is this: researchers present projects, these are reviewed
by a panel of vets, the amounts are also considered in relation to: whether
the contributions toward studies for that type of animal are enough to
cover the work, whether it is so essential that monies should come from the
general fund to help (as they did for the rabies virus shedding studies in
ferrets which got them on the Compendium being handled the same way as cats
and dogs), whether contributors to that particular fund have often
mentioned a need for work on that topic.  I know that some of the topics
which people have mentioned include: insulinoma, cardiomyopathy, lymphoma,
lymphosqrcoma, and adrenal neoplasias.
 
You have to remember that the Foundation is limited in what it can do by
contributions.  If folks don't give then the work doesn't get done.  At
this point very few people are giving so it can even be years between
projects.  A few people are giving a good amount, but that doesn't make up
the difference betweent he huge amount that even one contribution of $25 or
more each year from large numbers of people, earmarked for "Ferret Health
Research".  Hey, it's just one more way to be a responsible owner!  Right?
 
For those who want to make contributions, MAF IS a long recognized (50
years!), tax deductible charity, and to top it off the founder started it
with a fund that pays all administrative costs so your contribution goes
solely to helping the animals!  How can you contact them?  Here's how:
 
Morris Animal Foundation
45 Inverness Dr. East
Englewood, CO 80112-5480
for credit card donations by phone:  1-800-243-2345
for questions only:  1-303-790-2345
 
Thanks for giving me a chance to remind people that without them there
isn't anything that can be done.  Contributions to the Morris Animal
Foundation have already helped to save hundreds of ferrets and have helped
legalize them in many locations given the importance of the Compendium.  It
can help ferrets much more than it can right now IF people remember to
give.  Your contribution may even help learn something that could save your
own ferret!
 
Unless you want to do so I'll ask about your question, but might not have
the time to do that today.
 
YOU are the one who will make the difference!
[Posted in FML issue 2779]