[SEL] Oil bath air filter help needed

[cgandree at mchsi.com]

Need some help with rebuilding a oil bath air filter on my JD LUC engine.  It 
seems that while in storage the extension hose attached to the carb was left 
laying off and mice built one heck of a nest inside.  While taking the unit 
apart discovered that lots of debrie is now imbeded in the "steel wool" like 
filter material making it almost imposible to clean out.  What can I use in 
place of or does any one know where I can get that type of material?
thank you in advance,
Curt Andree