>From: TwoSpooky <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Need HELP!! with local humane society >I'm absolutely livid over this -- I just learned that my local humane >society animal shelter (Lincoln, NE) does NOT adopt out ferrets. They just >euthanize them if their owners don't reclaim them. [snip] Welcome to the wonderful world of misunderstood ferrets. You aren't the first person to complain about the misconceptions, and you won't be the last, either. Several folk, through unremitting effort, have persuaded their local shelters to release the ferrets to them. It *can* be done, but don't expect bureaucratic change to come swiftly or easily, especially when ferrets are the subject. In your particular case, though, with no bite victim involved - if rabies is a genuine concern then a 30-day quarantine for asymptomatic, or 14-day for symptomatic, will reveal whether the ferret is rabid. Ferrets don't contract rabies often, but when they do it kills them quickly. >I really need to know what the quarantine time is for rabies in ferrets from >someone with nifty-sounding credentials. Has it been definitively >established? If not, what's a reasonable period of time? I don't have any "nifty-sounding credentials," but those who do will tell you that a quarantine period for ferrets has not been officially established. Most of the studies done in the past are lightly regarded by the powers that be, that is, the Nat'l Assn of State Public Health Vets, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Compendium. The series of studies currently in progress is designed to remove all doubt. Results of the latest raccoon strain are due in Feb '97. Most informed, reasonable people would agree that a 10-day quarantine is more than enough. Unfortunately, public health officials aren't always reasonable or informed. For more info, browse the "Independent Voice" website: http://www.acmeferret.com/voice/ BIG, I assume it's ok to include a publicly promoted website? [Yes. BIG] swamp "Who, me officer? What's a ferut? These guys?? No, they're Polish cats." [Posted in FML issue 1797]