Greetings-- After the plug from David Finster (thanks, David!) I do feel compelled to say that I am simply representing the FLC in the campaign to get the Health Department to require rabies vaccination in ferrets and then recognize it with a quarantine period for vaccinated ferrets alleged to have bitten, scratched, etc. The person who provided me the information to get me started and who has put out a tremendous effort to get ferret owners recognized by the Board of Health is Rick White of San Antonio and SAFE (San Antonio Area Ferret Enthusiasts). Rick is likely not going to be able to attend the Board meeting in Austin next week, and I'm trying to find a person or two to accompany me so that I don't stand alone. At a previous meeting which both Rick and I attended, the Board members seemed very impressed by the idea that ferret owners were scattered across the state and that there were multiple clubs. At that meeting the Department of Health introduced some proposed changes to their rules and 3 or 4 of us ferret people spoke to the group. They were really far more reponsive than we had anticipated, so we are hopeful that we will make progress, but I suspect the quarantine period may be a battle. Also, it is at this meeting that the Board is supposed to vote on the actual language to be incorporated into the final rules, so things could get far more involved. I am somewhat nervous. Prayers and good thoughts appreciated! Someone asked about how to protect their ferts' feet from the wire floors in their cage. We use cheap vinyl flooring bought in a big sheet from a home improvement store. We cut pieces to fit the cage floors and leave the ramps bare. No, the vinyl is not anchored, but we don't have a huge problem with them pulling it up either. It is easy to clean, removable, and cheap to replace should it begin to curl too much or should the backing get soiled. The first batch lasted about 18 months to 2 years. Just a thought.... Debra in Ft.Worth [Posted in FML issue 1540]