Starting with Holiday Ferret Expo on December 8, 2001 all ferrets entering
the show hall will have the following requirements.  This is the verbiage
from the actual show packet.  All AFA sanctioned shows contracted after
October 1, 2001 will have this policy as a requirement for entrance to
shows.  The policy for this show allows those ferrets ADV tested for the
June 16, 2001 Monroeville show to not need another test (unless the ferret
was POCT tested for that show).  Unlike the Monroeville show, ALL ferrets
entering the hall must be tested.
 
ADV TESTING REQUIRED
 
All ferrets entered in and/or for sale at the show must provide proof of
negative ADV (Aleutian s Disease Virus) testing between the dates of MAY
19, 2001 and NOVEMBER 30, 2001.  Testing must be by the United CIEP Test
or the Avecon ELISA Test and results must be: 1) on tester s original
result s letterhead; 2) testing date must be on the letter and within the
stated period; 3) ferret names must be on the testing result s letter
(names must match show entry).  Avecon POCT instant tests are NOT
ACCEPTABLE.  A letter from your vet is NOT ACCEPTABLE.  Faxes or copies
are NOT ACCEPTABLE.
 
ADV WAIVER
 
You will be required to sign a statement at check in to the effect that no
ferret that you are bringing in the show hall has ever 1) had a definitive
positive test result on the Avecon POCT test; 2) had any non-negative test
result (weak positive or inconclusive result) on the United CIEP or Avecon
ELISA test.  No ferret ever having met one of these conditions will be
allowed in the show hall.
 
This new show policy will not guarantee protection.  Exhibitors should
still practice safety procedures at all times when their ferrets are
around other ferrets.
 
Questions can be directed to the AFA at [log in to unmask] or me at the above
email address.  Information on testing can be found on the AFA website at
www.ferret.org.
 
Vickie
AFA Director of Shows and Special Events
[Posted in FML issue 3581]