ELECTRONIC FERRET INFO BULLETIN                 July 25, 1992
relayed by Action Comm Research
 
[Long Post follows]
 
from *Shelters That Adopt and Rescue Ferrets (S.T.A.R.*)
c/o Pamela Grant  7402 Joseph Ct., Annandale, VA 20003
703-354-5073
                                                July 20, 1992
 
Dear Ferret Enthusiast,
 
To the best of our knowledge, a first has been achieved this
month with regard to having the domestic ferret handled by
animal authorities like any other companion animal. Enclosed
in a memorandum are the procedures Fairfax County, Virginia
will follow if a ferret is involved in a bite case.
 
Usually, all ferrets brought to an animal shelter are
euthanised, whether they have bitten someone or not.
Sometimes, a ferret club or ferret shelter can convince a
humane society or local animal facility to release ferrets
for adoption to the club/rescue. A ferret which bites
someone, even if the ferret is vaccinated with a licensed and
approved rabies vaccine for ferrets, has always been
sacrificed. UNTIL NOW.
 
The first is that we now have at least ONE document by a
county facility which will provide a quarantine time for
ferrets meeting certain criteria if they are involved in a
bite case. S.T.A.R.* is mailing this out to all clubs and
shelters devoted to ferrets in order to keep you informed. We
would also like to ask you to copy this memorandum and send
it to your humane society shelters, city/county animal
facilities, veterinarians, and any other public official who
has the power to declare ferrets as "domestic companion
animals." We want to have ferrets treated as equals to dogs
and cats. The more places which will commit to putting
ferrets in bite cases under quarantine IN WRITING, the closer
we will come to achieving a companion animal status for
ferrets everywhere, including states which now ban ferrets.
 
Also included is some information [removed from electronic
issue; contact S.T.A.R.* at telephone number listed above] if
you are not already familiar with our network. We welcome
individuals as well as clubs to become members, even if they
are not presently involved with ferret rescue, shelter or
adoption.
 
Please help ferrets by promoting them as domestic companion
animals. Their popularity is continuing to grow.
Veterinarians and humane societies, as well as the public,
need to be educated about ferrets in order to insure the
ferret's health and well being. This development is a big
step towards accomplishing that goal. Pass the word.
 
                         Sincerely,
                         Pamela T. Grant
                         Director, *Shelters That Adopt and
                         Rescue Ferrets
 
[memo begins]
 
                  FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA
 
                         MEMORANDUM
 
TO:  Loudoun Area Club Members (LAFF)     DATE: July 17, 1992
 
FROM:     Barbara A. Snow, Director
          Department of Animal Control
 
SUBJECT:  Revised Memo of May 1, 1989 - Adoption of Ferrets
          from Fairfax County Animal Shelter - Via Ferret
          Rescue Club - Updated Criteria Standards
 
1. No ferrets will be sold or given for any research
purposes.
 
2. No ferrets will be sold for profit. The Rescue Club may
ask for a fee to cover veterinary or boarding costs.
 
3. Screening of adopters and adoption counseling will be
done.
 
4. Educational material on ferrets will be disseminated.
 
5. An agreement will be made by the adopter that no transfer
of ownership will occur. Ferrets not kept will be returned to
the Rescue Club or to the Animal Shelter.
 
6. The adopter will agree to notify the Rescue Club in the
event of an address change within the State of Virginia.
 
7. No ferrets will be adopted to families with children under
the age of three.
 
8. All ferrets will be vaccinated against rabies.
 
9. All ferrets placed will be spayed or neutered.
 
10. Adopters will agree, in writing, to follow updated policy
on ferrets involved in bite cases:
 
     Mandatory sacrifice for rabies testing is not necessary
     provided the following criteria has been met:
 
     o    the ferret has a current rabies shot,
 
     o    a history of one year or more of ownership without
          exposure to prime rabies vectors (raccoons, skunks
          and foxes) is known,
 
     o    the victim (parent of guardian if a minor) gives
          consent,
 
     o    the ferret is quarantined for a period of 14 days.
          Location of quarantine is by Warden discretion -
          shelter, vet clinic or home.
 
Under special circumstances, i.e., the severity of the bite,
the recommendations of the victims physician, the Health
Department may require euthanasia. Ferrets not currently
vaccinated will be surrendered for rabies testing.
 
BAS/jw
 
[end of relayed message]
 
 
[Posted in FML issue 0283]