Planned Ferrethood has heard many concerns regarding our policy to require
ADV testing at the door on the day of the show.  As a way of compromisinh
with the ferret community, Planned Ferrethood will no longer require
mandatory ADV testing at the door.
 
In order to have as safe of a show as possible, we will instead require
that exhibitors provide ADV negative test results for all ferrets being
shown in championship and specialty rings.  The ADV test must have been
conducted no more than 30 days prior to the show date.  Exhibitors must
show ORIGINAL paperwork with each ferret's name, test result, and the date
of test (i.e. paperwork given to the owner by the testing company - Avecon
or United).  We will NOT accept any other proof of testing or homemade
forms.  This policy will be strictly enforced.  If you do not have ORIGINAL
paperwork for your ferrets, we suggest contacting Avecon or United to
have this information sent to you on their letterhead and signed by a
representative of that company.  Planned Ferrethood strongly encourages
owners to bring ADV test results for non-showing ferrets as well, e.g.
ferrets for sale/adoption as well as those ferrets who are not being shown.
 
Planned Ferrethood will still offer testing via the Avecon Instant Saliva
Test on either Friday night or Saturday morning of the show.  All ferrets
being shown must have testing completed no more than 30 days prior to the
show or they must be tested at the door in order to enter the show hall.
There will be no exceptions.  Each ferret or owner who is testing at the
door will receive original paperwork with proof of ADV test result, date,
and signature approved by Avecon.
 
Additionally, Planned Ferrethood is extending our early bird pricing to May
16th.  All entries postmarked on or before May 16th are eligible for the
early bird registration prices.  Complete show information and registration
packets are available at: http://www.ferretrescue.com/westmore/show2001.htm
 
If you have any questions on this very important policy change, please
contact the show registrar directly, Lisa Shortley at
[log in to unmask] or (412) 492-9973.
 
Shortly following this email will be a FAQ regarding the reasons behind our
ADV policy.  We will be addressing many concerns from the ferret community
in this FAQ and urge all to read it.
 
Thank you,
Chris and Tara Palaski, Planned Ferrethood Show Directors
Lisa Shortley, Planned Ferrethood Show Registrar
[Posted in FML issue 3407]