Tristate Ferret Extravaganza takes all diseases/viruses seriously.
 
Little is known about how ADV is spread.  ADV was first published in an
AFA newsletter back in 1989.  If it is a highly contagious there should
have been a major outbreak in the show circuit before now.  The ADV
testing that is available at this time is just a snap shot in time as
quoted by several that have had hundreds of ferrets tested on whether
your ferret has been exposed to ADV.  This can be used as a prevention if
those who have ferrets tested positive can facilitate the ferrets in a
quarantined environment away from other ferrets and they do not attend
shows or go to a pet stores or friends houses where ferrets are present.
We believe in education and precautions taken that is why we are having
the symposium.
 
Below is the show's stance on ADV which is included in every show packet.
 
TSFC STANCE ON THE ALEUTIAN DISEASE VIRUS (ADV) - PLEASE READ!
 
In the past couple of years, Tirstate Ferret Connection (TSFC) and much of
the ferret community has witnessed an increase in the number of ferrets
being diagnosed and showing positive with Aleutian's Disease Virus (ADV).
This is a disease that has been present for many years, and at this point
in time, can be a threat to ferret owners everywhere.  ADV is a strain of
parvovirus which is contagious, has no current vaccine, and no known cure.
Much research still needs to be done to determine how easily this disease
is spread and what can be done to combat it.
 
Some Shows have taken the stance to required testing for ADV of ALL
ferrets being shown at the show within a designated time period before
entry in the show hall.
 
American Ferret Association Inc.  (AFA) has created the following policy
for AFA Shows:
 
ADV TESTING REQUIRED.
 
All ferrets entering the show hall must provide proof of negative ADV
(Aleutians Disease Virus) testing between the date of NOVEMBER 11, 2001
and MAY 11, 2002.  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 you 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.
 
  --------------------------------------------------------
 
The stance TSFC has taken for this show is to promote education and take
proper precautions as our first line of defense.  The more people that
know about this disease and start testing on their own, the better chance
we having in stopping the spread of this disease.
 
It is highly recommended that all breeders, shelter/rescues and those that
attend shows regularly, test their ferrets at least once a year.  We ask
that everyone show the proper precautions and not handle other ferrets at
the show, keep your ferrets covered and space cages out so no ferrets
other than your own are close together.  Baby wipes with a parvoicde will
be distributed through out the hall for your use.  USE THEM!  TSFC is
taking every precaution to keep your ferrets safe.  Judges will be using a
parvoicde to clean after each ferret judged and every effort will be made
to clean with a parvoicde between ferrets in the fun events.
 
Every time you go to a pet store or a friend's house who has ferrets can
be a potential risk of catching any virus/infectious disease.  Do we stop
having shows?  A show coordinator's major concern is the spread of any
disease like ECE, distemper or ADV.  Rabies vaccination is required
because you are exposing the ferrets to the public.  USDA Distemper
because it is a vaccine - not just a test.
 
That is why on the show packet it reads:
 
IMPORTANT MESSAGE!!!  There is always the possibility of exposure to
infectious diseases for your pet when they are brought out into social
gatherings.  It is recommended that you allow minimal handling of your
pet and minimal exposure to the other pets at the event.
 
It is each Ferret Owner's responsibility to make an educated decision on
whether to attend any ferret show, pet store, ferret club meeting, or
friend's house and expose their ferrets to any disease/virus including
the common cold.  They can also choose to attend and take the proper
precautions.
 
Hope to see you and your ferrets at the show.
 
Lori Sies, Coordinator
TSFC Extravaganza 2002 & Symposium
P.S. Please send all flames to me directly at [log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 3743]