From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2005-08-09 21:46:26 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] *Call to Action!* USDA ferret specific regulations
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <6602244.1123623986693.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Cross posting is encouraged! Yes, you may.
Remember, please, to keep all correspondences polite; APHIS is following its own rules of procedure and is an ally if we build a good enough case.
Also, remember to not focus on only one farm, distributor, transport source... All have their problems, and large new comers seeking to cash in are often so much worse than the established farms and so uninformed that not having species specific guidelines may create problems, for instance, one (now sold and improved as of a few years ago) had outside cages (that were also too small) with bottom wire grids so widely spaced that ferrets could injure feet or legs on them, and they did it for a reason which could cause an influenza zoonotic risk: they had pigs going underneath and eating the droppings.
Age at sale and transport also is a health concern (failure to thrive, prolapses, etc.). It should be no younger than 8 weeks. At 50 to 53 days ferrets erupt the conical adult canines that replace the needle-like kits canines and that allows them to be easily aged, plus in that time frame they erupt their first molars making petstore diets chewable enough.
Socialization skills are important for ferrets so longer time with mother and siblings helps on that score.
Transport with unhealed incisions is an existing problem.
Ferrets need frequent meals, especially kits.
We've all read of ferrets dead on tarmacs because existing regulations don't inform transporters of unacclimated ferrets' intolerance for extreme heat.
Dehydration and the damage that causes has occurred at times in transport.
Etc.
Stories of your own experiences with such individuals are welcome in the edockets or your letters.
If you use the snail mail route, please, remember to send 4 copies of your letter.
Author wrote:
> May I cross post this to my ferret group here in Ga? Thanks, Linda