Here's some news from Linda Harrah: Ferrets haven't been legalized in Franklin County, but Linda spoke to Mr. Weaver (the health department guy). He said that the board decided ferrets would remain illegal until there was a quarantine for them. --- I thought that the studies that determined the viability of the rabies vaccine also determined the Q period. Anybody? Anybody? He also apparently said that people weren't bothered unless there was a bite reported. So at least there's some reason coming from a place where there used tp be rhetoric. We also got copies of two letters being distributed by the American Ferret Association (formerly Mid-Atlantic Ferret Assoc. To sign and send to the Humane society of the United States and the American Medical Vet Assoc. both of whom have been long time opponents of ferrets. Here they are for you to print out on your laser printers. Sign them and mail them. ------ cut here ---- Gerald L. Johnson, D.V.M. President American Veterinary Medical Association 3318 Norton Independence, MO 64052 Dear Dr. Johnson: We strongly urge you to reconsider the AVMA's current position and policies concerning the DOMESTIC FERRET (Mustela putorious furo), and adopt the following recommendations, THAT: * Ferrets be recognized as Domestic animals. All reputable scientific sources support the domesticity of this animal. The misclassification of the ferret as "wild" or "exotic" is not only scientifically incorrect, it promotes bad veterinary practices. * Verinarians support the immunization of Ferrets with USDA licenced rabies vaccine. Many states do not recognize the USDA licenced rabies vaccine labeled for use in ferrets. As a result, veterinarians are not immunizing ferrets against rabies. This situation promotes confused and inconguous public health policy and is not in the Public's best interest. * No Ferret presented to a veterinarian for treatment be denied proper medical assessment and, where appropriate, intervention. In some states, veterinarians have refused to treat sick ferrets. This policy is not only unethical, it is unconscionable! Such a policy can only resort in increased use of homeopathic and quack remedies, needless animal morbidity and mortality, and a failure of veterinary medicine as a profession. * Veterinarians receive accurate information, education, and training regarding the health care management of the Ferret. Most veterinarians are familiar with ferrets only as a laboratory species, The ferret is the third most popular companion animal. There are between 6 and 8 million domestic ferrets in the U.S. today The practicing veterinarian can no longer ignore this animal's role as a pet. Sincerely, ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ------- cut here ---- Tell you what, I'll type the other letter in tomorrow night. My fingers are tired, and my socks are being abducted. Peaces. lenny. [Posted in FML issue 0225]