A few days ago, someone posted a story about how their ferret bit someone on
the toe, was reported, and the ferret was destroyed.  They were quite
naturally upset that the ferret was destroyed, even though the ferret was
negative for rabies.  I can understand that this would be an extremely
traumatic event for a ferret owner--if it happened to one of mine I'd be
outraged and distraught.
 
But on the other side--what if the ferret did, for some freak reason, have
rabies?  If I were bitten by *any* animal that wasn't up to date on its
shots, I would be a little concerned.  Ferrets aren't at much risk for
rabies, but there's still an area of concern that needs to be addressed for
those that are bitten.  For those who've had it, post-rabies exposure
treatment is not pleasant at all.
 
So what really needs to be changed here is the procedure where the ferret is
killed, then tested.  I don't know how this can be changed, but if anyone
does, let us know.  And in the meantime, make sure to keep up on your
ferret's shots.  If you're buying a ferret from someone, get the
documentation for rabies and distemper from them.  And if they don't have it
and you're in doubt, GO TO THE VET and see to it that the ferret gets its
proper shots.  Sure, it costs money, but what's the cost of a few shots
compared to the life of your ferret?  And if your ferret's a biter, common
sense says keep them away from situations in which they cannot be trusted.
 
Laura
Nigel, Wayne, Cosmo, Xenia, and Dr. Z  <--does anyone know how to spell
the name of Dr. Zehas/Zaeus/Zaes/whatever from Planet of the Apes?  Let
me know, I need to know how to spell my new guy's name.
[Posted in FML issue 1672]