Permission to cross post this announcement is granted, and even
encouraged.
 
This is somewhat of a good news/bad news announcement.  The U of GA
is satisfied that they have perfected one of the ADV tests they have
been working on, and so they will now be offering it commercially.
Specifically, this is a test run on tissue samples that have been fixed
in formulin.  A copy of the form needed to submit samples can be found at:
http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/SERVLAB.html
 
Samples must be submitted by a veterinarian, and there is now a fee for
testing tissue samples.  The form includes instructions for submitting
the samples, and the fees.
 
This test is a DNA in situ hybridization to detect the DNA in tissues,
and is very accurate.  In addition to the diagnostic results, any tissue
samples they receive may also be used for further ADV research.  At this
time, they will no longer be using fresh and frozen tissue samples,
though.
 
The bad news part of this announcement is that tissue samples from ADV+
and suspected ADV+ ferrets will no longer be tested free of charge by the
U of GA.  Also, samples must now be submitted by a veterinarian, and not
just sent in by ferret owners.  The goods news part is that since this
test is now being done commercially, there will be a fast turn around
time - no more long waits for the results.  Also, it means we now have
yet another test in our arsenal in the fight against ADV.  And, finally,
it means that moneys sent to U of GA for ADV research will no longer be
used in running test on tissue samples, but will go towards other parts
of the research program.
 
Blood samples will continue to be tested for free, for the time being.
While that test is almost ready to go commercial, they are still
collecting data and checking it out.  When the blood test is commercially
available, though, they will no longer be offering free blood testing,
either
 
The new blood test will be a 2 part test.  Results will show the exact
antibody titer, and will also include a positive or negative result for
viral DNA presence.  When the viral DNA is present in the blood, it is
an indicator that the ferret is likely in a contagious state.
 
While I do not know exactly what the next phase of the research project
is, I do know from speaking with Dr. Branson Ritchie, the head of the ADV
Research Team, that they feel it is possible to create and ADV vaccine,
with time and enough money.  Creation of the vaccine will be a very high
tech endeavor, and so will not be cheap.  Therefore, money for this
research is still needed.
 
Any one that has questions about the tests that the U of GA offers can
feel free to email me directly at:
      [log in to unmask]
 
If I am unable to answer your questions, I will refer you to someone
that can.
--
Danee
International Ferret Congress Health Issues Coordinator
http://ferretcongress.org
ADV - If your ferret hasn't been tested, you don't know!
For more information visit: http://www.ferretadv.com
[Posted in FML issue 4466]