>From: Becki Kain <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: ferret law in Michigan >hey, I need a statement about the change in the law in Michigan .... PRESS RELEASE FROM MICHIGAN DEPT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 4, 1997 MICHIGAN WELCOMES CDC FINDINGS ON FERRETS, RABIES Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr. today announced that Michigan has learned that the Compendium of Animal Rabies Control Committee will recommend managing ferrets that are exposed to rabies or that bite humans in the same way that dogs and cats are managed. This decision was based on the scientific studies of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "I am pleased that we now have the accepted scientific evidence to support claims that ferrets shed the rabies virus in the same manner as dogs and cats," said Haveman. "I have stated before, that when scientifically sound data came in showing ferrets shed rabies virus for only a short period of time before falling ill, we would then re-examine our policies and regulations. We will begin to implement this new recommendation." In early July, Michigan urged the CDC to complete testing on the rabies virus for ferrets. Without the scientifically sound evidence, the only way to determine if a ferret had rabies was to euthanize it and examine its brain tissue. If a ferret does have rabies or is untested, treatment is recommended for the person that was bit. Rabies treatment is a series of shots that can cost as much as $1,500. The CDC responded by the end of July, affirming Michigan's position on examining and testing ferrets for rabies when a ferret has bitten someone. At that time, Dr. James Hughes, Director of the National Center for Infectious Diseases at the CDC stated, "before definitive recommendations can be made concerning management of potential human rabies exposure following bites by ferrets, rabies pathogenesis should be studied further." Dr. Hughes indicated that the CDC would accelerate their research to finalize recommendations on the quarantine of ferrets following bite exposure. "I would like to thank the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for completing these important scientific studies. Our priority at the Department has always been to promote the health of Michigan's citizens. In the past, without this scientifically recognized evidence, the Department was obligated to uphold this safe approach in dealing with ferrets," said Haveman. The Department of Community Health has informed local public health departments of the anticipated announcement from the CDC. ------ HOW'S THAT!!!!! Dee, Beau & Nilla [Posted in FML issue 2126]