When I 1st read that the AFA was only accepting the one test as a
criteria for a grant we could have very much used, the 1st thing I did
was to try to research the reliability of the different tests used. I
looked for studies that compare reliability and could not find one. All
that could be found was some e-mail trails of individual experiences
with this test or that - and within this, found both false positives
and false negatives as well as errors in how tests were administered,
health of ferret effecting the test and stage of ADV (non-shedding,
residing in the organs, etc)

In the end, having only this information to go by, I could not conclude
that we were wasting our efforts and money nor taking unnecessary risks
with the lives of our shelter ferrets due to the use of the rapid
saliva test.

If there are studies, if there is a repository for statistics as to
problems encountered with the different tests as they occur, I would
love to know. Although we have no reported cases of ADV in KY thus far,
I don't want to put any ferrets at risk through our actions and will be
more than willing to say "I was wrong" and change practices if the data
supports it!!

If this data doesn't exist, given the scope of this rescue effort, it's
my feeling that AFA should reconsider their stance as to the criteria
for these grants. YES, it is their money to give as they see fit......
Or I might go so far as to say they are the stewards of these funds
which were most likely funds raised through donations, functions and
membership dues, made by hundreds of ferret owners and shelters across
the U.S. in their effort to support and promote the domestic ferret
within the United States.

Jerri Carel
The Ferret Haven
Louisville, KY

[Posted in FML 5757]