Actually, Scott, what happened here in N.J. was that the N.J. Departments
of Fish, Game and Wildlife, and of Health were up to date with research on
the rabies shedding studies both here and abroad and they suggested to the
first judge that the litter be held in quarantine for observation while the
man received the shot series and the first judge agreed with that, but the
man REFUSED the shot series and went to higher court which had the (
completely healthy ) little ones put down and tested.  Later the guy who had
them killed said that he still wanted to own a pet ferret.  Hope no one ever
sold to him!!!!
 
A lot will depend in any case on the judge presiding.  If the person doesn't
understand the recommendations and testimony (Many have very little or no
science background so plain speaking is ESSENTIAL.) or doesn't have love and
respect for non-human life forms then the fuzzy's chances are lower.
 
Hope this will stave off any panic among those in N.J. not familiar with
what occurred.  We've had ferrets here for something like 15 years and find
it a ferret friendly state.
[Posted in FML issue 1929]