http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/Ques&Ans/q&a.htm
#What%20happens%20if%20my%20pet%20(cat,%20dog,%20ferret)%20is%20
biten%20by%20a%20wild%20animal
 
That's a CDC page on rabies which is clear for readers of any level
and shows how safe ferrets are.  If you have people freaking about
SARS it may just be a matter of time before they freak about rabies,
so, bookmark this one and pass it on!  It's a good inclusion for
newsletters and such.
[Posted in FML issue 4161]