ABOUT VETTING AT AFA SHOWS

One of the innovations at our show is that there is no formal vetting
at the door. This is because we feel that at the door vetting usually
achieves very little. For example, ferrets are vetted early in the
morning when any symptoms of illness are least likely to be detected.
Vaccination records and ADV testing documentation will still be checked
at this time and those requirements will be in effect as with every
other AFA Sanctioned Show.

Even with spraying of vets hands there is probably just as much chance
of the vetting process actually transmitting parasites/ fungal spores/
viruses/ bacteria from ferret to ferret as every ferret in the show is
handled in short succession.

Vets have detected very few ill ferrets in the morning, at the door
vetting process despite carefully checking each ferret. Exhibitors
could circumvent the check by medicating their ferrets so as they look
ok at morning vetting, then progressively become more symptomatic
during the day.

WHAT WE ARE DOING INSTEAD

Our Policy is aimed at making exhibitors responsible for leaving sick
ferrets at home, and accountable if they do bring them to an AFA
Sanctioned Show.

The Judges, as part of their normal judging, all day, will all be
assessing every ferret which they judge as to whether it is in "show
condition".

Sick ferrets, or those with parasites, ringworm or discharging eyes,
runny noses or coughs, etc, or ferrets that appear to be medicated,
falsed or pregnant will be disqualified from judging as being ''not in
show condition.'' The ring steward will immediately bring this matter
to the attention of the show manager who may decide to remove the
ferret from the show.

If mutual consensus is not reached between show manager and exhibitor,
a vet will be called to make a final decision. Payment of vet charges
will be billed to exhibitor.

AS WITH ANY SHOW, IF ANY EXHIBITOR FEELS THEIR FERRET HAS A HEALTH
PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY A POTENTIALLY TRANSMISSIBLE CONDITION, THEY SHOULD
OUT OF CONSIDERATION FOR ALL OF THE EXHIBITORS AND THEIR FERRETS, DO
THE RIGHT THING AND LEAVE THE FERRETS AT HOME.

Vickie McKimmey

Just a Business of Ferrets
www.jbferret.com
American Ferret Association
Director of Shows and Special Events
www.ferret.org
Author of Ferrets: An Animal Planet Pet Care Library Series Book

[Posted in FML 5867]