Nancy mentioned a couple of issues ago that she didn't think the `major veterinary association ????' approved ferrets as pets. That association would be the American Veterinary Medical Association, AVMA for short, and I regret to confirm that such an educated body is still so ignorant about our furry friends. However, I am a student member, and hope to be a national delegate after elections in the spring, and one of my goals is to research this ridiculous stance and help change it. I know many vet students who adore ferrets, and as we become vets, I am sure we will have some influence in reversing this problem. Also, I don't know about elsewhere, but here at U of I College of Vet Med, they teach ferret medicine as part of an exotics course, not lab animal medicine -- that at least *sounds* better. I'm definitely going to take that course and any other that I feel will make me a better ferret vet! Laura L'Heureux and Trella, too U. of Illinois VM96 [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 0381]