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> From: Karin Van Veen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: Re: Rodent Virus!
> Date: 04 March 2001 15:40
>
>
> You can catch this rodent virus! If you would come to the Knagerfestijn,
> and would see so many rodents, rodent lovers etc, you might get
"infected"
> for life, and would become a serious rodent-lover, like I am!!!
>
> Karin.
>
> PS: This has nothing to do with the Foot and Mouth infections either,
> although I consider that as a very serious fact, not just a scare. Might
> become a threat to our rodent shows as well. Lets hope it will be under
> control very soon!
>
Well, I doubt whether anyone from the UK would be welcome. Things are
really bad here. All rodent shows are cancelled. The real worry seems to
be rats. The Ministry of Agriculture claim that rats can get this virus
and have officially banned all rat keepers from moving their rats at all.
There are all sorts of rumours going around. It's getting really scary.
As I understand it, gerbils can't catch the virus but could carry it, in
the same way that humans can, The National Fancy Rat Society have put out
a warning to all members that should one of your rats become infected, then
all your other pets - rodents, dogs, cats - would be compulsorily
destroyed. Very scary stuff.
Sue
