I will say that I agree with you on this one. I don't know how the rest of you feel but I don't see the swine flu as a big deal anyway. I believe it's similar to any other flu we may contract. Sensationalizing it keeps us fearful (mostly of other cultures). In this case, linking it to the pet trade is pretty sneaky.

Invasive species is a very real concern though. Ed, they should have cited sources. I can't believe the number of burmese in the everglades is as high as 30,000 but they are there and they are reproducing. I also don't believe that the problem started with animals that escaped during hurricanes. Come on now. Honestly, how many of us have met people who buy cute little burms in pet stores only to realize that they can't take care of them once they have a 10 foot animal on their hands? Now don't you think that just a few of those people might be tempted to drive out to their local park (or national wildlife sanctuary) and get rid off their problem nice and quiet-like?

This is what I mean by being responsible keepers, breeders and dealers. We have to try and prevent these behaviors from occurring or else everyone in our hobby will suffer the same reputation.
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Mike Lockwood
www.tooscaley.com

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