First Vicki stated that there are many factors including shedding period,
etc.  that are not known about ADV.  If that is the case then how do you
know that a test two weeks in advance is accurate.  Secondly, if we are so
unceartain about ADV how do we know that the carrier method or any other
method is effective in preventing transmission.  Furthermore there have
been cases where positive and negative ferrts have been cage mates and
the negative ferret has never tested positive.
 
In order to be effective the policy must include all show attendees.  Many
people may have ADV positive ferrets without knowing it.  Many knowlegable
vets believe that as much as 50% of the ferret population has ADV, but most
do not show symptoms now or ever and are therefore never tested.
 
If the AFA was so interested in preventing the transmission of ADV then why
was a policy instituted early, especially since the current president knew
about ADV in 1998.  If she was so concerned wasn't one of her first actions
instituting this policy.
 
Because....the AFA has a consistent and ongoing policy of discrimination
against certain people they dislike, and many people in the ferret
community have recognized this.
 
In the past ten years the recogniztion of ferrets has made great strides.
Unfortunately if the "leaders" of the ferret community continue to act so
unprofessionaly no one will take ferrets seriously.
 
Rob
and my 22 fuzzie friends
[Posted in FML issue 3063]