In issue 51, Robbin Huls asked some interesting questions. I may have
a couple of answers.
 
Sale of ferrets is prohibited in California, Georgia, New Hampshire,
New York City, and Washington, D.C.  While sale differs from owner-
ship, I know of one case where a ferret was purchased in Virginia by
a D.C. resident.  The animal was subsequently seized and destroyed
by D.C. officials only because it was located in the district.  There
are other locations attempting to ban sale/ownership, witness my
previous postings about Fairfax County, Va.  It is illegal to possess
a ferret in California, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and New
Hampshire.  Some of the other states require a permit.
 
Wild animal? - California, Florida, Georgia, New Hampshire, Tennessee,
and Vermont classify the ferret as a wild animal.  According to my
sources, New York has not legally classified the ferret.  New Jersey
and Oregon classify the ferret as an exotic animal.
 
Rabies vaccines - IMRAB, a rabies vaccine manufactured by Pitman-
Moore (a Johnson and Johnson company) has produced high blood titers
(antibodies) against rabies in domestic ferrets.  While it is apparent
that there is an effective vaccine, there is yet no 'USDA approved'
vaccine.  The Morris Foundation is also involved in obtaining an
approved vaccine.  Statistically, rabies occurance in ferrets is
insignificant when compared to cats and dogs for which approved
vaccines exist.
 
Ferrets vs. Fitch - Some fitch breeders sell them as domestic ferrets.
In 1987, at the Roanoke, Va ferret show, Chuck Morton noted that one
individual there was selling fitches and so advised him.  Chuck was
ignored.  He has been fighting this issue for some time.  Perhaps
Steve and Sukie can obtain a list of fitch farms around the country
from Chuck and post it here.  Fitches are giving ferrets a bad name.
It appears that some of the severe bite injuries reported in the past
were mistakenly attributed to the domestic ferret vice the similarly
appearing fitch.  It is my understanding that Chuck was able to
visually identify the fitch.  I would be very interested in knowing
how he did this.  If I remember correctly, there is also a blood test
that can differentiate the animals.
 
Aleutians Disease - I'm trying to get better educated on this subject.
This is a common, incurable, and highly transmittable disease that is
believed to lead to lymphosarcoma.  I know that several mailing list
members have lost ferrets due to the latter.  The disease can be trans-
mitted via handling of the infected animal.  I've heard that at Chicago
ferret shows, use of a disinfectant is required between handling of
animals.  Mark?
                                                                          
[Posted in FML 0057]