From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2004-02-14 02:32:06 UTC
Subject: RE: Ultimate sacrifice
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <1819071.1076725926715.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Dear Mike:
I know that everyone on the list appreciates the sacrifice that this ferret has made. I have been in contact with the vet, and we hope to receive tissues early next week for the initial screen. I would caution everyone not to think that just because we have one case to work with (and it may have received a single dose of antibiotics) that the answer is just around the corner. My experience with new diseases is that the first time is rarely the charm.
I would also encourage people to continue to keep an eye out for new, untreated cases. We will undoubtedly require more tissues as part of this investigation.
A word about the "ultimate sacrifice" - ten years ago, I had the opportunity to work on ECE - before we know what it was - I had the unwelcome opportunity to infect and euthanize a dozen aniimals as part of the investigation. To this day, I keep the photo of one of these animals on the wall of my office so that I never forget the sacrifice that these dozen animals have made.
With regret and deep respect,
Bruce Williams
Author wrote:
> I would like to ask everyone that believes in such things to say a prayer for a beautiful little ferret that gave her life today in the pursuit of an answer for the "mystery illness" that has befallen many young ferrets. She was very ill and with little hope of recovery, but I'm sure it was still an extremely difficult decision to euthanize her prior to attempting treatment and possibly tainting an investigation into the cause.
> No names will be mentioned because I know the person does not want consolation or notoriety, just an answer to this terrible disease. It was a decision that I don't believe I would have had the strength to make, though it really was the right decision.
> Please take a private moment, hug your ferrets and give thanks to her for the ultimate sacrific towards finding an answer.
> mike