>From:    Deena Canals <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: I'm way behind
 
Aleutians Disease Virus - that is the virus that causes Aleutians Disease
and as mentioned named after the color of mink it was first noted in.  It
managed to mutate and jump for mink to ferrets.
 
>From:    "caride:First caride:Last" <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Bev, ADV?
>To do otherwise would not only be slandering the breeder, but would also
>make yourself look petty, small, and ill informed.
 
Why do people insist on bringing every controversy to this forum?
 
What happened was that on a forum the Judith Moon is a frequent poster
although as usual just for announcements about her kits, a question that
was a follow on to a previous topic was asked.
 
Nickelodeon's father tested positive for ADV.  Some of Nickelodeon's
siblings (perhaps half-siblings) also tested positive.  But not all the ADV
positive and negative siblings had been named.  Nor whether all had indeed
been tested.
 
Judith Moon didn't think to mention her particular ferret that has just
sired a new litter was not one who tested positive but had in fact tested
negative more than once.
 
Once the question was answered the topic was closed - except for those
that are trying to make a disease a political weapon.  There is a group
that is using ADV has a bludgeon to beat off their competition.  By
incorrectly turning a simple question into a personal assault like this
is letting ADV become a stigma.  Its NOT; its a virus.  Same as ECE.
Same as influenza but more serious.  Thats all.  Its not evil to have a
ferret with the flu nor to have a ferret with ADV.
 
Judith Moon did her self no favors by turning a simple question into
an assault on her integrity.  Trish, you too are doing yourself no favors
by following the same track.
 
If someone who is considering getting a ferret from you asks a direct
question you should answer it.  If that question has one answer that is
'good' and one that is 'bad' that does not make the question an attack by
being asked.  Just answer it.  If you can answer it with the 'good'
answer great.  If not then change.
 
Judy G is not a breeder but she is very much admired for having the courage
to come forward with a hard truth.  Judith M is not admired by many of the
same folks for not having the courage to say the easy truth.
 
As Carla A points out.  ADV is NOT a major problem.  If we treat it like
a stigma rather than a slow growing disease then we make it worse.
 
b&d
--
bill and diane killian
zen and the art of ferrets
http://www.zenferret.com/
mailto:[log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 2953]