>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]