Hi all- I've recently signed up at my local animal shelter as a volunteer. One of the activities in which I'd like to participate (and one that they need the most help with) is "small animal socialization." Specifically, this involves spending and working with guinea pigs, rabbits, hedgehogs, and of course ferrets. :-) I'm really excited about this as the small animals there really don't get much attention (which leads many of them to be less 'friendly' with people and thus less likely to be adopted). I have two ferts at home. My question is this: In the handling of these animals, what should be my concerns regarding the safety and health of my own ferts? What could I "pick up," bring home, and unknowingly transfer to my little ones? Is ADV my only concern? Also, what is the best way to ensure nothing bad _does_ happen? Would it be sufficient to wash the clothes I wore to the shelter and bathe before playing with my ferts? I really want to help these other little ones but I don't want to put my own ferrets at risk. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Traci Presley and Farley (sending our prayers out to all of the ailing fuzzies out there) [Posted in FML issue 3372]