Danielle posts:
>Now, recently, I have read some posts by two shelter operators on the
>whole ADV issue.  I was very appalled that these two shelter operators
>feel that ferrets who have ADV should be euthanized.  One has clearly
>stated that she would euthanize any ferret (including her own) that
>turned up positive.  Has SOS seen these posts?  I hope so.  I don't think
>any shelter that takes this attitude should receive any special funding.
>There are many shelters out there who house ADV positive ferrets and
>many  of these ferrets have gone on to live happy lives considering the
>situation.  More than likely, the adrenal cancers and other illnesses
>will kill them before ADV will.  Not enough is known about ADV to go
>around and simply euthanize ferrets who test positive.  Heck, the accuracy
>of the ADV tests have even rec'd scrutiny by these same two shelter moms.
>
>I don't know about others, but it really upset me to hear that these two
>shelter operators would do such a thing.  I am not posting names because
>I don't need the backlash and they know who they are.
 
As I have very publicly stated, euthanisation of ADV positive ferrets has
become a policy of Ferret Haven "By-the-Sea".  This is not a policy that
is either taken lightly or unconsidered - but in our case something that
had to be done - plan for the eventuality of having an ADV + ferret in
the near future and what steps to take BEFORE it happens.
 
Our shelter has come to the decision of humanely PTS any ferret testing
positive to the United Vaccine CEP test twofold: Both because of the
recommendations by United Vaccine for controlling the disease and based
on frank conversations with our vet, as well as trying to protect the
majority of ferrets that enter our shelter.
 
I have never scrutinized the accuracy of United Vaccine's CEP test - only
the Avecon test.  That is why we rely solely on the CEP test to determine
if the ferret is positive or negative.
 
ADV kills.  Whether the direct or indirect cause of death it is a terminal
condition, as well as being a contagious virus.
 
Since our posts have been taken out of context and from another list (as
usual) I would prompt all to subscribe to the advferret
list([log in to unmask]).  It is an open membership list that is
moderated - I would have hoped that Danielle would have had the courage
of her convictions to address any concerns she had on that list, but
apparently it is easier for her to attack a sensible and humane policy on
another list without any benefit of reading our discussion.  This seems
to be a problem with a number of topics - reading something on one list
and posting a complaint elsewhere instead of joining the frank discussion
on the original location.  This does not in my opinion help anyone's
'standings' in the ferret community.  If you are afraid to comment on the
list where it was being discussed, then IMO you should just not comment
at all.
 
Because we are a 501(c)3 organization, this decision was based on a vote
from our directors as well as our overseeing board.  It was in no way
treated any less than what it was - a difficult decision based on
protecting the many and possibly sacrificing the few or the one.  I would
like to bring to everyone's attention that to date, we have never had
an ADV positive ferret in the shelter.  I encourage any and all to read
United Vaccine's recommendations on eradicating ADV - while it may
involve a mink community, the precautions and procedures are the same.
http://www.ferrethaven.org/advtest.html
 
Danielle happens to be a monday morning quarterback - she is neither
a shelter nor a foster home so she has no concept of the risks that a
shelter takes by allowing incoming ferrets on a daily basis.  She also
appears to be inordinately concerned about the comings and goings of my
shelter - and follows me almost to an obsessive and stalking degree.  I
have nothing to hide - any and all questions are answered fully to the
best of our abilities.
 
ADV is a contagious disease which has no vaccine and no cure.  There is
no way of knowing if and when a ferret is shedding the virus.  A vote was
taken between the 3 directors and 2 board members on what to do should a
ferret test positive - and the decision was to save the many and sacrifice
the few or the one.  We do not have the facilities to care for an ADV
positive ferret and the closest shelters are more than 10+ hours away.
What are we supposed to do?  Shut down for the one -- what about the 99
other ferrets that come in here every year - refuse to take them in to be
almost certainly euthanised at the SPCA?  - or worse than that - take
them and unnecessarily expose them to ADV?  Neither of these answers were
satisfactory.
 
Would other ferret owners be willing to transport an ADV positive ferret
to a shelter?
 
I'm glad that Danielle can second-guess an active shelter - perhaps she
is willing to take these ADV positive ferrets into her home and expose
her personal ferrets to the disease.  That appears to be what she is
asking me to do, as well as other shelters that may be exposed to the
disease.  I test all the incoming ferrets and I am not willing to do
harm to those I have been entrusted to shelter - or expose the possible
adopters that come to my shelter - but then again, I'm not Danielle.  I'm
just a shelter trying to do what is best for ALL the ferrets that enter
my shelter.
 
If SOS has any problems with my shelter or its policies, I want them to
contact me and we can continue this discussion in a rational manner - not
hysterically pointing fingers at organizations that are being forced to
make extremely hard decisions.
 
Lisa Leidig, Head Ferret
The Ferret Haven "By-the-Sea"
www.ferrethaven.org
[Posted in FML issue 3824]