Dr. Williams said: > The problem with raw fish is that it can cause several problems in >mustelids (and other species) if given in too high amounts - 1 - the >presence of thiaminase, an enzymes that renders thiamine in the diet >inactive, can cause destruction of certain parts of the brain, resulting in >a disease known as "Chastek's paralysis", and 2, raw fish is high in >unsaturated fatty acids and can cause a degenerativ change in the fat of >the body, known as steatitis. Dr. Williams, Could there also be a third risk, that being parasitic flatworms (flukes, tapeworms, etc)? Isn't raw fish consumption a major risk for these parasites, or is this uncommon in Ferrets. Just Wondering, Dan ******************************************************* * Dan Eliot, Biology/Life Science Teacher * * El Dorado High School, Placentia, CA * * Snail Mail: PO Box 1372, Placentia, CA 92670 * * E-Mail: [log in to unmask] * ******************************************************* [Posted in FML issue 1246]