Kat and everyone,
I was both disheartened and saddened to hear that some are considering not
having shows due to ADV.  I whole-heartedly agree with you that testing
shortly before/at the show for ADV is a good start in the direction of
having less risky shows.
 
We at Planned Ferrethood of Westmoreland County, PA are determined to have
successful and safer show by doing exactly this.  We are requiring testing
to be conducted within 30 days of the show or at the show hall for all
ferrets entered in the rings.
 
Unfortunately, we have not received as much support from the ferret
community as we had hoped.  It appears that slowly, some are coming around,
but the fact still remains that many are refusing to come to our show
simply because we are testing for ADV.  I have received emails from
individuals who had no intensions of showing (therefore no need for
testing) who demanded their money back only due to our ADV testing
policy.  What does this say about support?
 
Thank you for your post on this subject.  I hope that many others agree
that this is a good idea.  If anyone would like more information on our
upcoming championship show and symposium, please check out our website
for the downloadable forms at:
http://www.ferretrescue.com/westmore/show2001.htm
 
I would also like to add that Dr Stephon of Avecon Diagnostics, the creator
of the Elisa test and the instant salive test will be giving a talk on his
tests and on ADV at our symposium at the show for those interested in
learning more about ADV.
 
Thanks!
Lisa Shortley
Planned Ferrethood Show Registrar
[Posted in FML issue 3420]