Anonymous Poster wrote: >My question? Can this sort of behavior transmit HIV to the ferrets - >and thus onto the kits' new owners should they get bitten? It may sound >stupid - but ferrets are prone to the human strain of 'flu. Can anybody >shed some light on this? Several years ago, I worked at a social service organization for people living with HIV/AIDS and I can confidently tell you that the chances of this man's ferrets is 0%. Immunodeficiencies similar to HIV (and, perhaps, the progenitors or progeny of HIV) have been documented in species other than humans, but not -- to my knowledge -- in ferrets. I'd say the greater danger is in the ferrets transmitting diseases to him! Litter box time can be a deadly venture for a person with full-blown AIDS. -- Andy and the five Sock Pirates Lily ("Just leave me alone. . . except for you, Dad. Kiss, kiss, kiss.") Cody ("I just want to snuggle.") Tripod Bob ("Look out everyone! I'm gonna kick -- well, knee -- your butt!") Ifdaschuwitz "Witzy" ("I'm no scared of you no more, Bob. . .") Oscar ("Can't we all just get along?") . . . with Fossa and Socrates waiting at the Bridge. . . [Posted in FML issue 3329]