Diane Rogers called me to day with some good Florida news. In light of the Compendium and of the new Florida policy to treat ferrets the same as dogs or cats are treated in terms of quarantine Representative Howard Futch is sponsoring legislation to FORMALIZE the use of quarantine rather than sacrifice -- MAKING IT MANDATORY -- for ferrets. This is to give BETTER PROTECTION FOR FERRETS against any local departments which might try to disregard the Compendium change. Rep. Futch's Aide asks that those of you who live in Florida let your OWN legislators know that you agree with legislation which would allow ferrets to be quarantined rather than killed in cases when bites or scratches happen (Basically, that the Compendium helps shape a law.), or when there is exposure to a possibly rabid animal. So far there is NO opposition to the legislation, but your support can help the legislation go through faster, and once any anti-ferret-crazies who don't know squat about ferrets begin to complain (as they probably will) your support will help over-ride the crazies' foolishness. Be polite and logical -- you need these people more than they need you and so far none of them appear to be against ferrets -- and mention that extensive research has already been done which made this change of policy by the Committee for the 1998 Compendium of Animal Rabies Control, and the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians possible, so you would simply like to see the current information reflected in law. If any of the legislators want copies of the information then those offices should contact Tim at Representative Futch's office for copies. [Posted in FML issue 2185]