Rabies Paper Actually the reported results were very good news for ferrets and ferret owners. The fact that the virus was not found in the saliva of any of the ferrets means that a rabid ferret can not infect another animal or a human. Shedding period is that time between when the virus first appears in the saliva of an infected animal and the time when it shows symptoms of the disease (or death of an animal that doesn't show symptoms). In dogs and cats, this period is commonly believed to be about 3-7 days, so the 10 day quarantine period is considered safe. (Studies have found the virus present in the saliva of dogs for up to a year.) If the virus in not in the saliva, an animal may have rabies but can not infect another animal or human. Three studies have been performed on the shedding of rabies in ferrets. Two were done in Europe using the fox and the vole strains. The US study used a skunk strain. All found that the ferret did not shed the virus, and that the time from when the symptoms first appeared until death of the ferret averaged about 4 days. The recent CDC/KSUVM study was the first using a US strain of the virus. The CDC would like to continue the shedding studies using the raccoon and a bat strain of the virus. If the results of those two strains are the same as with the skunk strain, then it will be likely that the CDC will recommend only that the ferret be examined by a licensed vetinarian familiar with ferret, and if found healthy, released to the owner. At the worst, they might require an 8 - 10 day quarantine. KSUVM has submitted a preliminary proposal for the second study (raccoon strain, I believe). It was accepted and they have been asked for a detailed proposal. Money is one of the main inhibitors to completing the study. Contributions to KSUVM, earmarked for the ferret rabies shedding study will help speed things along. I know that Pam Grant of STAR Ferret has been a contributor, as well as many others. Perhaps she can give more information on where and how to make the contributions. Cage Flooring: Wire hurts the bottoms of ferret's feet. (Wire walking over a long period of time could be the source the calluses discussed on another post). Linoleum or carpet remnents cut to fit, or even the cheap woven rag rugs do well. The latter are soft, cheap, and washable. Scoopable litter: I realize that this is a hot topic from time to time. We use scoopable litter for our own and in the shelter. Have used it for over 3 years now with no problems. Every once in a while we get one that likes to dig and root in it. We take the litter out and put in paper towels until the towels get dirty, then add a thin layer of the scoopable litter. Next time we clean the litter box, we leave a little soiled litter in the boxtake out the towel, and add a thin layer of new litter. No problems. To Cage or Not to Cage? We've had ferrets running loose in our house for years. Yet they keep finding new places to get into that I thought were thoroughly "ferret proofed." Generally, if we're going to be gone only a short period of time, we'll leave them play. If we're gone for long periods, or after we go to bed for the night, we cage. Cat Condos for Ferrets? Ours love them. When we take ours for a ferret adoption/demo at the local Petsmart stores, I always put a leash on them and walk them through the store to meet people. They love the cat condo section of the store. I have a very difficult time getting them away from them. When I finally do, they look at me very pitifully, like "Do you think Santa will bring me one for Christmas?" One of our club members made a beautiful one for our raffle prize for Ferret Awareness Day (Merrimack, NH on September 14) Dick B. [Posted in FML issue 1543]