I would just like to respond to the post that said HIV & AIDS coming from apes is just a theory. When I had health class in school it wasn't taught as a theory it was taught as known fact. I know that this isn't exactly ferret related but I thought i should say something. [Moderator's note: Very recent research does seem to support the simian to human link, but such research doesn't show increased evidence of the AIDS virus being able to affect humans from yet other species. Unless someone here has any facts of AIDS affecting weasels or of weasels transmitting the virus to humans -- and I don't believe any evidence whatsoever exists on either count -- the discussion is no longer relevant to ferrets and it's time to move on. A somewhat identical yet opposite subject *is* a good topic though: people with HIV often find ferrets to be good companions, not only for emotional support but because ferrets are well suited to the task practically (i.e. they are goofier, gentler and not as allergenic as some other companion animals/people! :-)) BIG] [Posted in FML issue 2719]