Hello Jim,
It is wonderful news Dick brings us with ferret Awareness day in NH.
 
We celebrate the quarantine.  HOWEVER from personal experience as a shelter
operator twice I have been urged by the public health director-- himself to
kill and test ferrets who have reportedly bitten and were in my custody.
Regardless of the law and the quarantine provisions.  One was vaccinated,
the other was not.  I held on tot the ferrets posted quarantines and lodged
a notice to declare the quarantine with the public health department lest
they could state they had no knowledge.  This was 3 and 2 years ago.  I
report both ferrets are well and happy... I was bitten and have yet to start
foaming at the mouth.
 
Aside from the dark humor here is a word of caution to all ferret owners
even in quarantine states.  The public health officials do not accept these
laws.  They will attempt to intimidate and quilt the owner into submission
to kill and test.  So be very careful and be smart.  You must know the laws
and have your arguments ready the law will protect but will not deter the
public health officials from knocking at your door.
 
Sincerely,
Alicia
[Posted in FML issue 1964]