Ferret Footnotes

Monthly Newsletter of the
Ferret Lovers' Club of Texas

December 1997
Rabies Compendium/Poisons/Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT

Membership Data

                                  1997   1996

Number of current members:         120    102
Number of veterinarian members:     20     12
Number of shelter members:           5      4
                                  -----------
Total Membership:                  145    118

Percent increase in memberships:    23%

1997 Financial Data

INCOME:

   Membership dues                1570
   Newsletter subscription         400
   Donations                       399
   Sale of merchandise            4459
   Show income                    1522
                                ------
   Total Income:                $ 8350

EXPENSES:

   Disbursements to shelters      1038
   Cost of merchandise            3258
   Show expenses                  1061
   Printing/Mailing misc.*         425
   Advertising                     360
                                ------
   Total Expenses               $ 6142

   Less minimum bank balance/reserve   $ 1000

TOTAL OPERATING DOLLARS FOR 1998:      $ 1208
                                       ======

* The majority of our postage and printing expenses were donated in 1997. This will not be the case for 1998.

WHAT THE NEW RABIES COMPENDIUM MEANS FOR YOUR FUZZIES

By Howard Davis, Independent Ferret News Service

The new "1998 Compendium of Animal Rabies Control" for the first time recommends that ferrets involved in bite cases be treated exactly like dogs or cats. That is, they should be subject to a 10-day quarantine to observe for signs of rabies - not to the "kill and test" procedure which in the last 20 years has taken thousands of ferret lives unnecessarily.

However, the document was just released on December 1 and may take time to filter down to all local health departments. Therefore, unless and until the public health authorities in YOUR jurisdiction have announced or affirmed that they are complying with the Compendium recommendations, you should remain *extremely cautious* about allowing strangers to touch any ferret that might be nippy. If you don't know what your local health department's policy is, you should contact them, or a local ferret group, and demand answers.

The rabies control document, regarded by many in the public health community as the nation's "Bible" for rabies management, is updated annually by the "Compendium Committee" of the National Association of Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV, a privately incorporated lobbying group headed by Virginia's deputy state epidemiologist, Dr. Suzanne Jenkins. The Compendium is endorsed both by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE).

In her cover letter transmitting the new Compendium to state health officials, Jenkins summed up the changes respecting ferrets by saying that "ferrets are now included with dogs and cats in all recommendations regarding vaccination, removal of strays, preexposure vaccination and management, interstate movement, licensure, postexposure management, and management of animals that bite humans."

The new policy represents a dramatic turnaround in Dr. Jenkins' thinking. Until this year she was one of the strongest advocates of the "kill-and-test" philosophy for ferrets. As recently as last year, when the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) went on record in SUPPORT of a mandatory quarantine period - and we should not forget, HSUS was the ONLY national organization outside the ferret community to support a ferret-friendly rabies policy - Jenkins made strenuous efforts to coerce the HSUS into backing off.

Specifically, here are the key points in the new Compendium that can affect your ferrets:

-- VACCINATION OF ALL FERRETS RECOMMENDED: In previous years the Compendium called for local governments to initiate and maintain programs to have all dogs and cats vaccinated for rabies. Ferrets have now been added to that list. But the Committee did NOT recommend that vaccination of ferrets be made mandatory.

- HOW AND HOW OFTEN TO VACCINATE: The Compendium says ferrets should be first vaccinated against rabies at age 3 months and annually thereafter. A ferret is considered "immunized" against rabies if it was properly vaccinated at least 30 days prior to any incident in which it might have become exposed to rabies, and if the vaccination is current (less than a year old). If a previously vaccinated ferret is overdue for a booster, it should be revaccinated with a single dose of vaccine. The Compendium says rabies vaccination should ONLY be administered by a veterinarian, or under his or her direct supervision. IMRAB-3, made by Rhone Merieux, is still the only rabies vaccine approved for ferrets by the Compendium.

- FERRET STRAYS: According to the Compendium, stray ferrets, like stray dogs and cats, should be impounded for at least 3 days to give owners sufficient time to reclaim them and to determine whether a rabies exposure has occurred. If unclaimed, they should be "removed from the community."

- VACCINATION BEFORE INTERSTATE TRAVEL: Ferrets, like dogs and cats should be currently vaccinated prior to interstate movement. They should be accompanied in transit by a rabies vaccination certificate.

- LICENSING OF FERRETS: The Compendium now recommends that ferrets, like dogs and cats, be licensed, to facilitate rabies control. While this will obviously be a "revenue-earner" for state governments, the public-health rationale for licensure is to make rabies vaccination a precondition for licenses being issued. Some states may follow through with laws or regulations to require the vaccination and licensing of all ferrets.

- FERRET BITTEN BY A RABID ANIMAL: The Compendium defines as a "rabies exposure" any event in which any animal is bitten or scratched by a "wild, carnivorous mammal or a bat that is not available for testing." The Compendium recommends that any *unvaccinated* dog, cat, or ferret that is exposed to a rabid animal be euthanized immediately - BUT it does not require euthanization. According to the Compendium, the owner should have the option of having the animal put in "strict isolation" for 6 months. It is not certain, however, that all local health departments will comply with this recommendation. Dogs, cats and ferrets with current vaccinations should be revaccinated immediately, kept under the owner's control, and observed for 45 days, according to the new Compendium.

- FERRET THAT BITES HUMANS: The Compendium states flatly that a healthy ferret that bites should be "confined and observed for 10 days", as is done with dogs and cats. If symptoms suggesting rabies appear during the 10-day period, the ferret should be euthanized and its head removed for testing. Any "stray or unwanted" ferret, dog, or cat that bites a human "may" be euthanized immediately for testing. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT IN BITE CASES ALL FERRETS OTHER THAN STRAYS ARE ENTITLED TO QUARANTINE, RATHER THAN KILL-AND-TEST, WHETHER OR NOT THEY HAVE BEEN VACCINATED.

The Compendium Committee made its landmark decision during its annual meeting held November 1-2, after receiving and considering a report submitted by Dr. Charles Rupprecht of the CDC on the results of ferret rabies virus shedding studies (see article below).

Dr. Jenkins attempted to justify the new NASPHV recommendation on the basis of Rupprecht's studies, stating in a memo to state public health officials that the changes were "unanimously agreed to by the mittee after hearing a report on the final viral study on ferrets in which a variety of bat rabies virus strains were used to infect" test animals." Ironically, Rupprecht himself tried in that report to convince the Committee that further tests should be conducted before the policy was changed.

What seems to have happened is that the Compendium Committee - long on shaky ground with its harsh ferret policy, since no ferret has ever transmitted rabies to a human - got tired of the mounting pressure and criticism from the ferret-owning public. It was also perhaps afraid that more and more ferret owners were going to successfully lobby their state lawmakers to bypass the Committee and enact LAWS to protect their fuzzies from the headsman's axe.

Although it may be some time before all local health departments implement the new policy, ferret owners henceforth will be on much firmer ground than before, if they have to go into court to protect their ferret from decapitation.

A long nightmare of the ferret community is at last coming to an end. It is now, for sure, a safer world for our ferrets.

KEY EXTRACTS FROM 1998 COMPENDIUM

III (B) 1. (a) Vaccination: "All dogs, cats and ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies at 3 months of age and revaccinated in accordance with Part II of this Compendium. If a previously vaccinated animal is overdue for a booster, it should be revaccinated with a single dose of vaccine and placed on an annual or triennial schedule depending on the type of vaccine used."

"III (B) 2. Strays: "Stray dogs, cats, or ferrets should be removed from the community. Local health departments and animal control officials can enforce the removal of strays more effectively if owned animals are confined or kept on leash. Strays should be impounded for at least 3 days to give owners sufficient time to reclaim animals and to determine if human exposure has occurred."

III (B) 3. (b) Interstate: "Prior to interstate movement, dogs, cats, and ferrets should be currently vaccinated against rabies in accordance with the Compendium's recommendations (see B.1. Preexposure Vaccination and Management). Animals in transit should be accompanied by a currently valid NASPHV Form #51, Rabies Vaccination Certificate."

II (B) 4. Adjunct Procedures: "Methods or procedures which enhance rabies control include:

(a) LICENSURE: Registration or licensure of all dogs, cats, and ferrets may be used to aid in rabies control. A fee is frequently charged for such licensure and revenues collected are used to maintain rabies or animal control programs. Vaccination is an essential prerequisite to licensure."

III (B) 5. Exposure to a rabid animal: "ANY ANIMAL BITTEN OR SCRATCHED BY A WILD, CARNIVOROUS MAMMAL OR A BAT THAT IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR TESTING SHOULD BE REGARDED AS HAVING BEEN EXPOSED TO RABIES:

(a) Unvaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets exposed to a rabid animal should be euthanized immediately. If the owner is unwilling to have this done, the animal should be placed in strict isolation for 6 months and vaccinated 1 month before being released. Animals with expired vaccinations need to be evaluated on a case by case basis. Dogs, cats, and ferrets that are currently vaccinated should be revaccinated immediately, kept under the owner's control, and observed for 45 days."

III (B) 6. Animals that bite humans: "A healthy dog, cat, or ferret that bites a person should be confined and observed for 10 days; it is recommended that rabies vaccine not be administered during the observation period. Such animals should be evaluated by a veterinarian at the first sign of illness during confinement. Any illness in the animal should be reported immediately to the local health department. If signs suggestive of rabies develop, the animal should be euthanized, its head removed, and the head shipped under refrigeration (not frozen) for examination of the brain by a qualified laboratory designated by the local or state health department. Any stray or unwanted dog, cat, or ferret that bites a person may be euthanized immediately and the head submitted as described above for rabies examination. "

A hard copy of the full Compendium may be obtained by writing to Dr. Suzanne R. Jenkins, P.O. Box 2448, Room 113, Richmond, VA 23218.

The above article is from the INDEPENDENT FERRET NEWS SERVICE, Volume I, Number 5: Entire contents copyright 1997. To subscribe at any time to this news service, send email to:

majordomo@kreative.net with the message: "subscribe ferretnewserv" (without quotation marks).

TIPS FOR A POISON-SAFE HOUSEHOLD

By Dr. Jill A Richardson, DVM
Veterinary Poison Information Specialist
ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center
www.napcc.aspca.org

• Be aware of the plants you have in your house. The ingestion of azalea, mistletoe, sago palm, or yew plant by a ferret could be fatal. (Editor's note: a complete listing of toxic plants will appear in the January 1998 issue of Ferret Footnotes).
• When cleaning your house, never allow your ferret access to the area where cleaning agents are used or stored. Cleaning agents have a variety of properties. Some may only cause a mild stomach upset, while others could cause severe burns of the tongue, mouth, and stomach.
• When using rat or mouse baits, ant or roach traps, or snail and slug baits, place the products in areas that are not accessible to your ferret. Most baits contain sweet-smelling inert ingredients such as jelly, peanut butter, and sugars, which can be very attracting to your pet.
• Never give your animal any medications unless under the directions of a veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. Less that 1/5^th of an acetaminophen (Tylenol) tablet (325 mg) could kill a 2 lb. ferret.
• Keep all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs out of reach of your ferrets, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are common examples of human medication that could be potentially lethal even in small dosages. Less than 1/8^th of one regular-strength (200 mg) ibuprofen could cause stomach ulcers in a ferret.
• Never leave chocolates unattended. Approximately one-half ounce or less of baking chocolate per pound of body weight can cause problems. Even small amounts can cause pancreatic problems.
• Many common household items have been shown to be harmful in ferrets. Miscellaneous items that are highly toxic even in low quantities include pennies (high concentration of zinc), mothballs (contain napthalene or paradichlorobenzene-one or two balls can be life threatening), potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, automatic dish washing detergents (contain cationic detergents which could cause corrosive lesions), batteries (contain acids or alkali which can also cause corrosive lesions), homemade play dough (contains a high quantity of salts), winter heat-source agents such as hand or foot warmers (contain high levels of iron), cigarettes, coffee grounds, and alcoholic drinks.
• All automotive products such as oil, gasoline, and antifreeze, should be stored in areas away from ferret access. As little as one milliliter of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) can be deadly in a ferret.
• Before buying or using flea products on your ferret or in your household, contact your veterinarian to discuss what types of flea products are recommended for your pet. Read ALL information before using a product on your animals or in your home and always follow label instructions. Also, when using a fogger or a household flea treatment, make sure to remove all ferrets from the area for the time period specified on the container. If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, contact the manufacturer or your veterinarian to clarify the directions BEFORE the use of the product.

FERRET OF THE MONTH COVER PHOTO

Rascal was found on the street with a huge lump on his tail and turned over to the Ferrets First Rescue and Shelter. His tail had to be amputated, because it had been broken and not treated for a long time. Rascal showed other signs of abuse: broken toes, fear of human hands, and hard biting. After 5 months of rehabilitation at the hands of Trish Curtis, Rascal was sweet and friendly, and was adopted by John Porter and Erika Matulich. Rascal gives kisses to both John and Erika, and plays hard with his new buddies, Tigger, Morgan, and Stevie. Rascal is pictured climbing out of the laundry hamper during a fun day of exploring his new home.

Would you like your ferret to be featured as a cover photo? Or published in the new handbook? Send photographs to the editor (see page 2), and with a SASE, they will be returned. Be sure to identify the ferret, and mark the photo with your name and address.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

A big Welcome to new members for the month of DECEMBER:

Dr. Stacie Hayes-Fowler, DVM, Veterinary Medical Clinic, Denton

Mike and Honey McFarland, owned by Puck and Prince (Grand Prairie)

Bret A. Greenberg, DVM, Summertree Animal and Bird Clinic, Dallas

Chris, Syd, David, and Ryane Askew, owned by Carly and Jenna (Arlington)

Thanks also to returning members:

• Kirk and Kelly Lampert, owned by Roscoe and Smokey (Dallas)

CHANGES IN ONLINE MAILING LIST

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SHELTER FEATURE FERRETS

READY TO ADOPT: LOKI

Loki - a medium sable male, about 3 years old. Loki was given to a friend of the owner when she had to move. The friend was to find a good home for him. She tracked me down and he came to the shelter. He has Marshall Farms tattoos. He loves riding on a towel dragged by a human! He's a sweet guy in very good health. He does not like any other ferrets. He is ready to adopt!

DUCHESS NEEDS A SPONSOR

Duchess - a MF silver mitt female, about 5 years old. She was rescued from a horrible situation along with her blind companion Cocoa Puff. They were owned by a school teacher who took them to school occasionally but spent the rest of their time living in a barn in a filthy cage. It was July when I rescued them and they were delivered to me almost suffering heatstroke because their owner had transported them in the back of a pickup with temperatures in the 90s. Both girls walked on their toes with tails hiked up over their backs -- I can only guess they learned to do this because they had to walk in their own poop all the time. It took months for their flaky skin condition to improve and for the foot calluses to go away. The girls were so happy to have soft bedding, a clean cage, and good food! Duchess and I lost Cocoa Puff to cancer. Duchess has made new friends now and seems happy. She wardances a lot and plays silly games all by herself. She has a wonderful outlook and personality. She's had adrenal surgery once, then began showing signs again so she's on Lysodren therapy now. She's doing well; you'd never guess her age by her behavior. She is small and dainty. She is a permanent resident and needs a sponsor.

There are so MANY more (about 100!)....Please help if you can. If you wish to make a donation, become a sponsor, or request an adoption application packet, please contact shelter director Patricia Curtis at metro (817) 596-0558. Or at ffrs@flash.net