Judy: Perhaps part or our problem with health depts is that we were unaware of policies regarding ferrets until recently when cases were publicized and also the fact thry don't like to be challenged - especially when they're wrong. Rhone-Merioux should be notified when any Public Agency or rep claims the vaccine in ineffective. 1-800-934-4447. Imrab 3 is 89% effective in ferrets but only 88% effective in dogs (stated by Dr. Pelletier KDHE) so... Since they aren't listening to facts perhaps a few high dollar law suits will change their minds! Why isn't there controversy about other companion pets that there aren't shedding studies on? How many time do we take our ferrets out in the woods for a run (like dogs)? NEVER! How many rabid animals do we let in our homes to bite our ferrets? NONE! So what Is the REAL problem? Dogs can harbor the virus for 3+ years yet are quarantined for 10 days. There has never been a ferret-human transmission of rabies but their have been many cases of dog-human, cat-human, human-human transmissions. Ferrets are rarely exposed to rabies vectors and they are the most persecuted of domestic animals. If you'd like to send the address of your state health dept I'd be happy to send letters and info or I can format the letters for you to sign and send. I've done this all for Kansas- may as well use what we already have at our disposal. Thanks for the welcome! Mustelids on TV I saw the program also (it was The Balance of Nature) and it was fantastic. I only regret not taping it. I found it quite interesting that polecats are solitary animals which is very different from our domesticated version. I watched specifically for distinctions between wild and domestic and was not disappointed. I hope do post the next showing for everyone to watch. Excellent program for Michelle to watch before her recording. Even in the wild mustelids I've never seen any behavior to indicate they deserve such bad press. They are such loving, caring parents and do no harm to anyone or anything - unlike some other wild and domestic species. Shoulder Pets I've never trainedmine to ride on my shoulder - I prefer carrying them in my pockets (which they love) or walking on leash - but a member trained his by walking around their bed with them on his shoulders and when they started moving too much he'd let them fall on the bed. Quilts and pillows provided a soft safe landing and he seemed to have success with this method. Zipper rides on my shoulder (for seconds) in the truck so she can see out the window and sometimes in public (for security or just to be obstinate?!). Obesity I'm surprised the veterinarians didn't pick up this one. I'm always getting reprimanded by mine for how large Deno and Gizzie are. There can be medical or human reason (too many treats), or an overeating problem (rarely). Age can also be a contributing factor. As ferrets age they sleep more and play less - using less calories (just like us). Boredom can cause overeating also. One female (Charlie) was turned over to us and she was obese. Inactivity and too many treats were the cause but a month after being with us she had trimmed down nicely. Charlie is now very active, healthy and driving her sisters (adopted) and new owner up the walls! Heartworm Info request My veterinarian, Dr. Nelson has asked for information concerning heart worms in ferrets. I've given her copies of what I have from newsletters and such but thought the veterinarians on the FML may have additional info, testing, dosage, etc. You may post to it on the FML and I'll forward it or send it directly to: Dr. Nelson, Westside Veterinary Clinic, 3130 Anderson, Manhattan, KS 66502. She'll be pleased to get all ferret medical info she can. Dr. Brown - She has Ferrets - Everything You Always Wanted to Know... that you sent for our booklet. Anything you want to add on the heartworm section? Thanks for the contribution. Troy Lynn [Posted in FML issue 0818]