Lipinski wrote: >AnswerMn: As I understand, the physiology of the ferret's throat is >closest anatomically to the premature infant's throat. So it seems >that the least of two evils maybe is to kill a couple of ferrets rather >than risking an inept nurse killing an infant because she had no prior >practice on a ferret. It goes without saying that most of these ferrets >live but for a short time after receipt from the ferret mills. That part of the course (at every medical college, not just the U of W) is for nurse practitioners and physicians....not just any/every nurse. I too think it's horrible for my ferret friends to be subjected to this and think they could practice their technique on (rubber) baby models. But....while it's certainly possible that a ferret could be injured during these procedures, I know for a fact that most of these ferrets at the U of W are NOT killed and do NOT die. They are "used" until they are about 6 months old and then "retired" and the next batch of young ferrets are brought in. As Ed says, it's difficult to get exact numbers from the U of W and I'm sure things happen there and at other universities that the public never hears about. But the U of W has a hush, hush program that allows these ferrets to be adopted. Most of the ferrets are adopted by students or employees (Keep in mind that the U of W also employees veterinarians.) If a home cannot be found, the ferrets are quietly moved out to a rescue. Sandi PS: Ed's right, about the "Board of Physicians and one non-professional citizen ..... that governs all animal testing procedures" at the U of W and it's certainly possible that Ed's talked to that person. While disturbing, it's also very possible someone obtained approval for a study that including removing the heart of a ferret while he's under heavy anaesthesia. :-( [Oh my god! It sounds like I'm defending Lipinski! It can't possibly be so.] Best Little Rabbit, Rodent & Ferret House a non-profit animal shelter 14325 Lake City Way NE Seattle, WA 98125 (206)365-9105 Open 7 days/week or visit our on-line store at: http://www.rabbitrodentferret.org [Posted in FML issue 3861]