For Jan of Michigan, who lost her Dear Missy, as well as anyone, who
lost a Dear Fuzzy, under mysterious conditions. The Venomous Spiders
In Florida article should be read and the link should be given to all
veterinarians. The Venomous Spiders mentioned in the article are in
most, if not all, American States.

Scottie Furo passed away on Sunday 07/04/2004 at 7:30 in the morning,
from two bites of a Brown Recluse spider. At the time of his Crossing
to the Rainbow Bridge Meadow, he was only three months old. When I
carefully examined his belly area, I found two reddish purple marks,
with fang marks near the center.

Venomous Spiders In Florida!

In Florida, only two main types of venomous spiders occur: widow
spiders and recluse spiders.

Three species of widow spiders are native to Florida, and a fourth
species has been introduced. No species of recluse spiders are native
to Florida, but three species have been intercepted, and occasionally
have established populations in single buildings at scattered
locations. Both types of spiders tend to be found in similar places,
which is in or under objects where their presence is not necessarily
obvious. In the interest of safety, it is recommended that people
engaged in activities where they cannot see where their hands are being
placed (such as lifting boards or firewood, or reaching into storage
boxes) should wear gloves to prevent being bitten by a hidden spider.
Also, clothing--especially if unused for a considerable time--should
be checked before wearing, as a spider may have taken up residence
within it.

Read the complete article at:

( http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/venomousspiders.html )

[Posted in FML 5712]