From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2002-12-09 01:08:31 UTC
Subject: RE: Common Health Problems of Ferrets
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <21175110.1039396111417.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Dear Dee:
Let's not jump on the Dept. of Agriculture too hard - gntle education works SO much better...
Remember that we want the Deot. of Agriculture to be experts on corn, soybeans, and cattle. Ferrets come under their purview in some states only because they are "farmed" animals.
Michigan currently boasts one of the brightest ferret vets working in their diagnostic lab, Dr. Matti Kiupel. When vets send their cases into the state, and it gets to him, you know that he will make the right diagnosis. He donesn't however, have anythng to do with this web page.
My suggestion - use the contact link on the page, and offer some additional sources of infomation that may haelp them expand their available information on this species....
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
Author wrote:
> I don't think I've ever posted on this list. I would like to comment that
> it's a priceless service you all provide posting on the forum.
> I'm in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Michigan Department of Agriculture has a
> "Ferret Health Advisory Sheet" which is a weak attempt at providing
> "Information for Ferret Owners". What's worse is "A copy of this Advisory
> Sheet must accompany every ferret sold or transferred within Michigan". If
> you get curious, you can check it out at www.michigan.gov/mda. It's a
> trifold with ..... get this ... a picture of a black-footed ferret on the
> front page.
> ANYWAY, this pamphlet lists the "Common Health Problems of Ferrets".
> 1. Canine Distemper Virus
> 2. Influenza (flu) virus
> 3. Intestinal Obstructions
> 4. Heartworm
> Anyone care to comment? Please do.
> Dee
> owner/operator, West Michigan Ferret Connection
> acting president, Midwest Ferret Fellowship