Re: RC: Re: Rabies Kills Horse In N.C.

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 1/8/00 10:44:30 AM Pacific Standard Time, woa@stormnet.com 
writes:

<< I realize that I am defending a not-so-popular cause, as opossums have
 gotten a bad rap in life anyway (it's the TAIL!). My vet said that they
 do not carry it because of their prehistoric origin. Also RE: EPM, the
 disease's parasitic cycle includes birds along with opossums, the two
 have to work together. I never hear of anyone threatening to take out
 the whole bird population. >>

Actually, I agree with you that opossums are cute critters.  However, neither 
their cuteness nor their origins make it advisable to ignore facts.  As 
rabies carriers, they are simply one of many--no one is singling them out.  
As EPM carriers--their role is definite and repeatable, whereas the role of 
birds is speculated and has yet to be adequately demonstrated.  Again, 
though--no one is singling out opossums as being particular "bad guys" in the 
overall biological scheme of things--elk and deer can carry brucellosis, mice 
can carry hanta virus and bubonic plague, etc., etc.  Protecting one's self 
and one's animals from disease is in large part a matter of education about 
where those diseases come from, no matter how fond one may be of this species 
or that.

Heidi


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