Hello All:
BIG as you can see, I have been requested to forward this to the FML.
My only personal comment is that the Hertzogs enjoy a very good reputation
among the ferret community and I know that they would not knowlingly do
anything to hurt the health of any ferret.  They are deserving of our
support.  Dale
 
>We had a situation arise today that will have a huge impact on our show.
>I got a call from the Susquehanna Ferret Club regarding the show tomorrow.
>It seems that several people have threatened to pull out if I bring my
>ferrets because of the Alutian Mink problem we had back in Aug.
>
>I have printed up a notice that I would like you to post on the FML for us.
>It reads as follows:
>
>Last August we had fourteen ferrets that came into our rescue which we had
>tested and proved positive of the possibility of Aleutian Mink Disease.
>The testing only checks for the presence of antibodies, which could mean
>that the ferret is building an immunity to the disease.  We removed them
>from our premises and spent over $1,200.00 in testing of these and our
>personal ferrets.  We have documented proof that all of our personal
>ferrets are negative of this disease.
>
>We reported this problem immediately so others might be spared the
>heartache and expense we went through.  Now we are the victims of our own
>honesty.  We are being boycotted and told others will not come to shows if
>we bring our ferrets (the same ferrets that we have proof of their lack of
>this disease.) Our rescue is totally supported with the money we earn by
>selling products at these shows, and now we are not allowed to bring the
>ferrets to model the products.
>
>None of the ferrets being brought to ferrets shows need to show proof of
>not having this disease, and that should not be required because of the
>unliklyhood of spreading this disease.  The disease itself is extremely
>difficult to transmit because it can only be transmitted through direct
>contact with the excretions of an affected ferret.
>
>Shirley Hertzog
[Posted in FML issue 2864]