>From:    Millie Walls <[log in to unmask]>
>
>My concern is possible contamination from bedding sold from place to
>place.  And bedding makers who may not test but will say that they do
>test.
>
>I don't buy bedding now until I have asked for and gotten confirmation
>that the bedding maker does test.  And when someone gets huffy and
>refuses to answer my questions, then i don't buy from that person.  We
>all need to be aware of ADV.
 
A few questions for you Millie.
 
Have you ever heard of PARVOCIDE?  What about washing the bedding in hot
water before you put it in your ferrets cages?  Oh hey, what about
PARVOCIDE and washing?
 
Are you trying to tell us that you ask for adv documentation before you
place a bid on all ebay bedding you are interested in?  Is this what you
are encouraging others to do?  What about the stuff you buy at petstores?
Is it far to say that most of the pet store items including bedding is
located near where they sell untested kits?  Petco is an example.  What
about OTHER items sold for ferrets on ebay and various other places?
Toys?  Snacks?  Food?  Collectibles?
 
It has been observed by many, some of your thoughts about this on several
other message boards, along with others that have completely blown the
ADV/bedding issue out of proportion.  It's a good thing that you have
finally brought your views here.
 
On various other ferret message boards, there is an ongoing topic (or is
it witch hunt)? over an individual and her bedding.  I don't know this
individual who has been trying to sell her bedding, but I do know the
whole topic has gotten beyond ridiculous.
 
I saw a question here or there about a ebay sellers ADV testing status on
other boards and didn't think much of it.  But when her ADV test results
paperwork was being demanded??  On a public forum?  That is when I
observed it was getting out of hand.
 
If I can remember correctly, you Millie, in particular stand out in my
mind as you are the one following her from board to board... This is
directed to you, and anyone else who has been involved in this situation,
there are about 4 or 5 others.  Not to mention some of them 'claim' they
are "adv advocates."
 
I don't care WHO the seller is or WHAT she's done, but you are all making
yourselves look like fools.  How can you, in your right minds, publicly
demand ADV test paperwork from someone you never plan on buying bedding
from?!  Is this the normal protocol used when buying ferret stuff from
people on ebay now?  Stalking them on message boards and making their
lives miserable, not to mention disrupting all the boards you post to?
Is it your goal to shut the people down who refuse to provide the 'proof'
to you?  It has been witnessed that you (along with others) have
successfully been able to pull a few ebay accounts that way, you have
managed to get those sellers banned from ebay.  Is this because the
'proof' wasn't provided??  Is that your goal?
 
There is a certain amount of responsibility in the part of both the buyer
and the seller.  I'm sure there are plenty of buyers and sellers that
don't test for ADV.  That's their business...unless you're planning on
purchasing their merchandise.  If you are, then it is up to you as the
buyer to DISCREETLY contact the seller and ask about their ADV testing
status if you're that concerned.  Sellers would probably be willing to
provide proof under those circumstances.  And yes, you did mention not
buying the bedding, but being publicly slandered and shamed into
providing ADV test results at a public forum?  Which YOU have done, is
not right.  That is slander, and more than likely is illegal.
 
The seller probably won't be willing to provide their testing results by
the way you have been demanding it.  I wouldn't, would you?  And don't
say yes, because if some stranger demanded to see your ADV test results
when they had no intention of buying something you're selling, I doubt
you'd be making a run for your scanner with your paperwork.
 
Honestly, I have seen this whole situation spiraling out of control, and
this certainly is not a way to educate people on ADV.  I think this will
end up having a negative effect on ALL buyers and sellers, and those that
run raffles, not just the one or two people you have been targeting for
months.  Are all ebay sellers now going to be asked to provide ADV
paperwork?  And if they refuse or don't test, does this mean no one
should buy their merchandise?  Do you ask everyone you buy from to
provide paperwork?  Not likely.  You're absolutely sure everyone you
purchase from is actively testing for ADV?
 
How about distemper vaccination records?  Are you going to start asking
for documentation of that too?  What if they have had ECE in their home?
Fleas?  Ear mites?  Mosquitos?  You can see how ridiculous this is
getting, right?
 
Common sense would tell you or anyone else, that if you are unsure of a
buyer, it is fine to ask questions, but publicly slandering them is
uncalled for , and that is what you have done.  And oh, hey what about
PARVOCIDING the stuff after you get it?  Many do that with everything
they bring into my home no matter where it comes from...tested or
untested home, or pet store.  Please, for the sake of some of us who try
to educate people properly on ADV, enough already.  Your 'protocol' is
just silly.
 
If anyone is needing references, here is a list of some of the groups,
where the 'witch hunt' is taken place, see for yourself:
 
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flamingferrets/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/addictedtoferrets2/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/addictedtoferrets/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ferretsfertswoozles/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FerretSupport/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FerretKingdom/
 
I am posting this anonymous, because I am an active seller on Ebay, and I
also like to educate ferret owners PROPERLY on ADV.  I don't feel like
being the center of attention on my ADV status and bedding sales.
 
Millie, your views and they way you have handled this, is upsetting, and
should be addressed.
 
[KA]
[Posted in FML issue 4703]