In regards to the ongoing sagas which seem to never end on the issues of healthy ferrets and the Marshall Farms Issue... I would like to address the FML readership from a PERSONAL point of view. We purchased four ferrets within a six month period from a pet store right after they became legal in NH. That was late Jan.- early Feb. of 1993. To date we have a bi lateral adrenal patient ( our #2 purchase male) and initial hairloss on ferrets #3 and #4. While I am NOT pointing fingers AT any one source these ferrets have always had: 1. great nutritional support ( fed Marshall's own brand for 2 years, subsequently changed to Totally ferret in summer 1995); 2. have lived in a stress free environment; 3- have not been fed sugar or other substances that would affect their health; 4. and have not been exposed to any known chemical or known viral inducers. These animals have not ever been in a shelter or exposed to ferrets of unknown origin. How so then do you explain after 3.5 years of great care and love all these ferrets from the same supplier are either evidencing symptoms of adrenal disease or have had to have surgery for the same? I know we paid the sum of $149.95 for each of the initial four animals and did not expect that they would require surgeries and unproven treatments that are comparatively expensive. More important is that WE ARE TALKING ABOUT LIVING CREATURES who now are suffering medical problems. And if I myself have 3 from the same time period of litterdom then there certainly are more out there experiencing the same. I did sit in on surgeries in this samll rural area just three weeks ago when 6 ferrets age 3- 3.5 years all had adrenal surgeries. All true are in the same area-- rural SWNH, all are about the same age, all are marked with the same tattoos. Coincidence?? Two of the six were diagnosed as bi-lateral conditions. I believe that there is an answer out there-- I also believe that those who have vested interests in MF, whether it be for political or monetary gain, will try to stifle any issues at the onset of questioning. I believe that IT IS NOT what side of the fence you are sitting on, NOT WHAT AFFILIATION YOU BELONG TO, but rather THE CONCERN FOR THESE LIVING CREATURES THAT SHOULD be the paramount issue. I WILL NOT go into points on how MANY shelter animals reaching 2.5 to 4 years of age all bearing two dots in the right ear have needed surgeries and many are now bi lateral-- adrenal diagnosis within just the past few years not just here but in shelters acrioss the country, we have all seen posts and more . Yes, there can be varying reasons, and stress MAY be part of the problem... but then again it COULD be genetic and it COULD be the early neutering process. RESEARCH will tell us why. WIll the PRODUCER support the research? I am asking all of the competent and caring owners who as we are now, experience their pets falling victim to this affliction -- this dilemma to stop - reflect and take note as to why would a healthy ferret being cared for properly have to have it's life cut short or the quality affected so greatly. The issue needs to be addressed to Mr. Killian and others out there that feel it is insignificant. The numbers are not insignificant.If he and others are true shelters he should also share more concern. If you choose to wait for answers so be it-- I would like to hear from you all in 3-4 years. Perhaps then we will have more in common to chat about! >I would say there are elements of the ferret world that thrive on this. >Its why I think we have propaganda against Marshall Farms and United Vaccine >so overly promoted as major tragedies. [Posted in FML issue 1758]