To Mark O concerning ivermectin: You said: I checked the label, it says: "Each tablet contains 68 mcg of ivermectin." To date, as I mentioned in a previous message, I ground 1 pill down as close as I can to powder, add a few drops of Ferretone and try to let each (two) ferret lick a half portion. Obviously they're not getting exact portions but I haven't been able to come up with a better method yet. I'm open to suggestions on this. Should they each get a whole pill to get maximum effect or is half good enough to do the trick. My reply: While the best dosage for ferrets seems to be 3 mcg/lb, your ferrets are getting an acceptable dosage of 10mcg/lb (which Dr. Kemmerer, who explained the whole situation to me prescribes for the ferrets in her practice with no ill effects. The way you are dosing (given that their may be a bit of leeway with the exact amount the ferrets get), most likely is sufficienct for this task. You said: Obviously, mosquitoes are not a factor at the present time. Do they need to be given heartworm medicine year-round. Again, we're talking New Hampshire ("Watch out where the huskies go and don't you eat that yellow snow!") and I'm sure our quota of mosquitoes have "Snow birded" off to Florida to bask in the rays and plan their return trip for the Spring/Summer. My reply: Technically, no, but as it is only once a month, and doesn't seem to be extremely time-intensive, and you won't know exactly when the mosquitoes will return, then it certainly won't hurt. Some vets recommend two months prior to their return, and one month after they have gone south (or more likely, died), but I've always had trouble figuring out the proper time. To the LABBS (Lab Animal BBS, a division of the American Association of Laboratory Animal Sciences): So you are echoing this mail list now. I'm not comfortable with this, or with your mission -- [They're what!!?? While I've obviously forgotten to include the redistribution policy in the FAQ, I do expect BBSs and other services that are going to redistribute the FAQ to at least inform me that they're doing so. My subscription list doesn't show anything with "labbs" or similar. Would someone from labbs care to comment? CRL] >The AALAS Mission: >The Association is dedicated to advancing and disseminating >knowledge about the responsible care and use of laboratory >animals for the benefit of human and animal health. Responsible care, YES. Use, NO. I speak for myself here, not for the members of the FML, who I hope will also contribute their opinions. Ferrets live in my home. I spend a lot of time caring for them, and working with people who also care for them. I do not do research on ferrets, nor do I intentionally cause harm to them, even with the best of intentions. To "use" animals is foreign to me, and I cannot welcome your presence here. I will not sanction the use of ferrets (nor other animals) for the purpose of research. I am aware that laboratory animal veterinarians have eased the plight of research animals in past years, but only after concerned citizens have brought it to the fore. You are part of a scientific field for which I have no respect. I know lab animal vets, even the LABBS Sysop who graciously posted this note. While I may like them as people, I do not and will never agree with their views on the proper "use" of animals. Once again, I may find myself in controversy. But the FML has been a place for people who love their animals, not who "use" them. Bruce Williams, DVM [log in to unmask] (202) 576-2453/2454 [Posted in FML issue 0731]