Hello,
 
No I have not been directly involved with an ADV ferret.  I was involved
with a large rescue that there was a possible(unconfirmed) exposure to adv
in transport.  Since this affected not only the ferrets in transit but
about 30 to 50 personal ferrets, We spent a lot of time talking to the
researchers in the disease field as well as the people who make the test.
All sources told us it only takes 2 weeks, the fml post stated 6 weeks.
All ferrets tested negative and continue to do so.
 
So I don't believe that these kits were infected at marshals.  Marshals
is a big business.  ADV would wipe the business out.  Common sense says
that they are probably more careful than us with this issue.  First off
they don't bring in out-side ferrets.  Hell they don't let outside people
in.  Most likely this is because of the peta type people.  But also a
precaution in the health of there ferrets.  If kits were being found with
the disease then there would have to be mothers with it and dying.  I
think marshals would at stop shipping ferrets for pets, to avoid any
liabilities.
 
Also a lot of people forget that the ferrets are sent in large groups
to distributor.  Then they are sent out to where we buy them.  If these
ferrets are positive, then it is far more likely that the exposure
occurred there.  I haven't seen enough details from the person on the fml
to determine where these ferrets are.  I can't find the club she refers
to and the details are sketchy.
 
I didn't see any of this argument in the past.  The post caught me out
of left field.  Unfortunately there is a faction of people who like to
"Marshall bash".  Every so often one of them posts to the FML to get the
argument going.  Anything said about Marshals should be taken with a grain
of salt.  My personal dealings with Marshals have been good.  They helped
me rescue and get medical treatment for a sick Kit here.  Including paid
the vet bill.  as well as refunded my purchase price.  They were
cooperative and very helpful during the mess and have always been open to
questions.  Since the providing of pets is not were they make their money,
I feel that if we trash them to much, they will just stop shipping to pet
stores and only provide to research.  4 of my 5 are Marshals and I would
trade them for anything.  Can you imagine how many small breeder would pop
up if Marshals didn't exist?  Then there would be lots of rescues on a
large scale.
 
This is not meant to bash anyone, just to state my personal opinion.  As
far as your ferrets go, It would be best if you did test them and continue
to test periodically.  The home test costs 15 dollars and is quite easy
to do.  I have tested mine in the last 3 months.  I plan to continue to
retest at least 1 time a year and chalk it up to routine expenses just
like vaccination.
 
Gennifer
[Posted in FML issue 3685]