There is no harm in asking about ADV status from sellers as long as it's
done tactfully and considerately.  People who have dealt with ADV have
been through enough hell on earth, so don't add to that pain ... please.
You do have the right to ask.  And you do have the right to your own
personal feelings and fears about this disease.  You don't have the right
to be paranoid or hysterical and to put that onto others.  There is a
difference between asking about status if you are fearful or do not feel
comfortable with a situation, and panicking.  If you don't trust people
(are skeptical by nature), if you don't trust hot washing in bleach or
parvocide (or can't do so), then by all means only buy from stores or
from sellers whom you know for certain to be reliable when they give you
answers to your questions.
 
It is judgmental to think poorly of someone who is uncomfortable with ADV
and wants to only buy from stores where things are sealed in plastic.  It
is judgmental to also condemn someone for selling things out of an ADV
positive home.
 
ADV is not a disease with magical microbes, okay?  They don't wear little
diving suits when you hot wash with bleach or parvocide.  They don't
climb into the pores of your walls while you wash them to escape you.
They don't disappear into thin air while you test or while you clean
things and then reappear like the Lucky Charms elf.
 
Although it can take just one exposure for your ferret to get sick, and
although cross contamination is possible, it's also is a bit more
difficult to get ADV than once thought.  There are many people who have
kept ADV positive ferrets in one part of the home (or shelter) and
successfully prevented spread to the other ferrets through meticulous
sterilization.  Some of these people have reps that speak for themselves.
Or if you're still uneasy, you might want to visit to see for yourself if
you feel comfortable with things before you buy from them.  With proper
precautions, there is absolutely no reason to not accept gifts, or to
buy from someone who has an ADV ferret.  Be safe, but not paranoid.  Do
your own washing if possible on top of whatever they do.  But don't get
your panties in a wad over it.  You should be doing all of these things
regardless if there was ADV threat in this world or not!!  There are
plenty of other contagious diseases (heck way more contagious diseases)
to worry about that can cross contaminate your ferret.
 
Wolfy
ps test test test to prevent spread of ADV
http://wolfysluv.jacksnet.com
[Posted in FML issue 4705]