I would like to share my opinion on the whole ADV and vaccinating thread.
 
First off in response to Kim Fox and her answering Kristine's post...I
think you've missed the whole point regarding vaccinating.  As a shelter
it should be mandatory that all incoming animals are vaccinated and/or
tested for any communicable diseases to PREVENT widespread contamination.
Yes there are risks involved in vaccinating - but the risks outweigh the
results when you are sheltering animals that you do not know the history
on or where they've been.  That's just common sense.
 
After reading your posts over the course of the week regarding ADV
testing, I would say YOU HAVE negated the importance of testing and have
possibly mislead other people with your writings/opinions.
 
As a shelter operator it is important that you inform the general public
of ADV, vaccinating and basic/minimal animal care (in this case ferret
care) for the health and survival of the animal.  Your opinion of how or
why and is vaccinating and ADV testing good or bad should not be part of
the their education at this point.  If the owner would like to prolong
the life of the animal than they will (hopefully) look further into
health care and remedies to assist.  But if you tell a new owner that
vaccinations are not *really* needed because it shortens their life span
and/or ADV is not something to worry about, you may have hurt not only
the animal, but the owner as well by letting them believe that preventive
care isn't necessary and not understanding the precautions of a
non-vaccinated animal.
 
I think what you do not understand is that the general public is
misinformed and down right ignorant - why do you think we have laws?  When
I adopt an animal from the shelter, I EXPECT that minimum health care was
provided - vaccinations, altering, communicable disease testing - this is
why I pay the high price of a shelter animal.  If I do not want these
basic services provided for me and for my existing animals' protection,
than I would go to a BYB or anyone else selling the same animal and take
the risk of a contagious disease.  And in the case of a ferret shelter, I
also expect the operator to know a bit about the animals personality.  If
they do not, than I may choose not to adopt from them.  Why?  Because I
expect a certain amount of minimal care and interaction was provided to
the animal before I chose that shelter.  Some of the big shelters/humane
societies may not be able to provide personality opinions but that is the
risk I, once again, take when I chose that shelter.
 
Personally I do not vaccinate my dogs or ferts on an annual basis.  I do
believe that vaccinations cause cancers (strictly my opinion) and other
health related problems.  However, I do not take my animals into public
arenas nor do I touch stray animals.  I also avoid areas where
communicable disease may exist.  I do have one dog who travels with me
most everywhere I go - this dog is vaccinated for distemper - but only
every other year [all my dogs are vaccinated for rabies.] But I will admit
that I did have a distemper scare just over a year ago with my fert crew
and I was freaked out - so everyone got vaccinated immediately.  Since
than I am more careful with exposure and I haven't vaccinated since.  But
I am a long time animal owner and have consulted with other well informed
persons and I have educated myself regarding vaccinating and the risks of
not.  This is MY choice based upon information I have compiled.  Some
people may just take your word for it and not understand the risk they
are taking.  And that is not worth an animals life in my opinion - not
when there is prevention.
 
And finally, if a shelter cannot afford the basic care for an incoming
animal, they should not be a shelter.  Bottom line.  You have taken an
oath to provide care and protection when you put out the banner that said
*Shelter* - and to not provide these services is hurting not only the
incoming animal but all others in the shelter.  Ferret shelters are
started from the heart but at some time the heart has to realize the
reality of running a business and part of that business is variable
costs.  One must consider ALL aspects before calling themselves a shelter
"open to the public."
 
Tanya
[Posted in FML issue 3840]