Marshall blood line intro.. Since Dr. Bell is no longer working at Marshall Farms, I suppose I can release her as a former source of information. About four years ago now (1992) there were some English polecat colored ferrets (sables) introduced to the Marshall lines. I don't think there were more than 6 animals, so this intro. was minimal at best. When I asked Peter Reid (general manager - VP) about new bloodline intro., he is emphatically saying NO! Mr. Reid did tell me about a third dot tattoo on MF ferrets which was added in 1995, but I have rarely been able to find them due to where it is placed on the ferret. If you have a mitt or white ferret born since 1/1/95, you might be able to find the dot on the toe. The toe differs depending on which tech did the neutering/descenting operation. I have a feeling many techs are not putting the extra dot on, because I really have a tough time finding them when I know it is a MF ferret born in the last 1.5 years. Personal observations on the size and shape of some of the newer MF ferrets does indicate to me that there has been some new lines added, but as to whether they were enough to boost longevity or health related problems, is still out. I have noticed that many MF ferrets are coming down with adrenal disease as early as two years of age now, and this really scares me. >[log in to unmask] >Bite on the toe Debbie, Please get in touch with whatever ferret club(s) you have in your state and let them know of your story. The more documentation we can collect on senseless deaths, t he better we can protect and provide for future ferrets. >[log in to unmask] >Frontline I had a ferret come into the shelter that I was picking ticks off of for three days straight - then I applied Frontline. No more ticks (deer tick BTW). The dog is on Program, and I applied Frontline in a very small amount to my indoor/outdoor cat. I have to say I have no fleas in the house and the cats are not crawling up the furniture to stay off the carpet. My vet told me that they have used Frontline on ferrets in Europe for awhile and because of the ferret's more oily coat, it is even more effective on ferrets than cats (one month) and dogs (up to three months). For a shelter who can not always control the condition of the ferret/animal coming into the house, this product is a bargain! Kills on contact! Ends flea cycle before the bite! I have only experienced one ferret in over 1300 who had an allergic reaction to a flea product, and this ferret got ill after a bath with pyrethrum shampoo. Some animals are more sensitive to chemicals than others, but I think Frontline holds great promise to multi animal households. BTW, again, I am looking for a foster/temporary home for two of my pet cats and permanent homes for four of my other cats. If you are in the DC/VA/MD area and want flea free cats - they have all their shots and are altered. E-mail me for ages, colors and profiles. Pam Grant = [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 1671]