Northern Ohio Ferret Association in conjunction with Ferrets Unlimited
Ferret Shelter are pleased to be able to offer Aleutian Disease Virus
testing.
 
Aleutian Disease Virus (ADV) is a highly contagious parvovirus that is
spreading throughout the ferret population both in the U.S. and abroad.
ADV can be spread very easily, i.e., through feces, urine, saliva and other
body fluids.  Humans can spread ADV through casual contact with multiple
ferrets such as that which occurs in shelters or at shows.  ADV Antibody
can be detected as early as 2 weeks post infection.  Ferrets found to be
positive for ADV Antibody should be isolated as suspected carriers of the
disease.
 
Diagnosis of Aleutian Disease Virus is a very serious matter.  This virus
is extremely contagious and ADV in your home can be literally devastating
to the lives of your ferrets.
 
Conclusive diagnosis of ADV requires the demonstration of antibody to a
specific protein of ADV called the "non-virion" protein, the presence of
which clearly indicates that viral replication has occurred.  The ADV
Antibody ELISA Test from Avecon Diagnostics, Inc.  is a sensitive, and
highly specific immunoassay that detects only antibody to the non-virion
protein of ADV and removes doubt surrounding the diagnosis of ADV in
ferrets.  It can detect ADV antibody in the saliva of your ferret and
determine whether your ferret has been infected by ADV, either recently
or in its lifetime.  Collecting saliva is simple and not at all traumatic
to your ferret.
 
While there is as yet no cure or vaccine for AD, the knowledge that your
ferret has been exposed can enable appropriate precautions to be put in
place, and determining your ferret is ADV free can put your mind at ease.
 
Please plan on participating in this important testing scheduled for
Saturday, February 17th from 11:00 - 3:00 pm at Petsmart in North Olmsted,
Ohio.  (Great Northern Mall Strip).  The cost will be $12.00/per ferret.
Results will be sent to you via mail, telephone, fax or e-mail within 48
hours of specimen receipt.
 
Reference:
Much of this info has been obtained at:  www.avecon.com
 
For more info:
call NOFA (216)388-2491 or FUFS (216)749-3885
or check NOFA's website at www.ohioferret.org
[Posted in FML issue 3320]