Here are some of the responses I received from the board. #1) I'm probably going to come across as hard lined, especially since I've been somewhat out of the loop on the ADV issue....BUT, in the interests of not spreading the disease, it seems that ADV positive ferrets should NOT be allowed to attend shows, unless it can be accomplished in such a way that is 100% guaranteed to ensure the health of all other animals in attendance. My suggestion would be for those people who have ADV+ ferrets that they wish to adopt out to use the photo board method of display. They could bring their ferrets to their hotel and keep them there. During the show, they can interview prospective owners and make appointments for them to see the ferrets at their hotel after the show. As sympathetic as we as individuals might be to those inflicted with ADV in their ferretries/shelters/colonies, as an organization we must unilaterally stand for the protection of ferrets. We can't compromise on that one, I don't think. Since I don't know the vendor, or who has ADV+ ferrets and who doesn't, consider me, perhaps, the most unbiased voice here... #2) Unfortunately it will look as though we are being prejudiced and you know you will run into the questions of why others are there, etc. Sometimes you have to take the matter in hand, if the individual does not use good judgment and realize the harm they can do to others. A show of this nature, draws not just seasoned ferret owners who know the ropes but newcomers and the curious. In our animal hospital I can tell you that after each one of these expo shows in our area we are presented with many sick reptiles, mice, rats, etc. Suffering from a variety of upper respiratory and other ailments. People tend to buy on a whim more so at these shows, something "new" something"exotic".." They come to see one animal, but then get the "isn't that cute, I gotta have one" bug. Not all buyers, but a majority are inexperienced and uninformed. Two bad scenarios: Either they will quickly tire of the pet and the care it needs and dump it at a shelter, or ferret math strikes as it has to all of us at one time. Then after owning a few, think they can make money and gets the breeding bug. If any of the ferrets are positive, this sets up a situation where you can infect many. As we have seen in the past you cannot rely on the integrity of some individuals to properly inform people. Some do not even believe it is a big deal and will go ahead regardless. We have to do what will protect the ferrets. You are going to hear something no matter what decision is made. In light of that I feel it is infinitely better to hear it from one or two individuals than to (a) take the chance of infecting many and spreading the disease or (b) having the people blame the sanctioning organization for allowing ADV+ ferrets there and/ having someone coming away infected. Since not much is known yet about the strains or shedding period, this disease opens a whole new can of worms. Looking at it from all angles, I agree with Chrissy 100% the best interest of the health of the ferrets AND the unknowing public has to take precedence. #3) While we don't know that this shelter is bringing any ADV+ ferrets to be adopted out, we do know that ADV+ ferrets have been in their shelter within the last 8 - 10 months. The exposure risk is there and my vote is to minimize any chance of exposure to other participants by not allowing the shelter to bring any ferrets to adopt out. Many show participants have no idea that certain persons have had ADV positive ferrets in their households and many people have no idea what ADV is and what the dangers may be. I know there will be many new ferret people in attendance. I would not want AFA to take on the responsibility of exposing some one's ferrets to ADV. #4)Because of the recent problems with this person's ferrets, I think it is only right that they bring proof of negative testing for all their ferrets or they may not bring them. All responsible ferret shelters have tested and we should expect no less from anyone else. #5)Sorry this is late, but here's my opinion anyway. I think AFA's primary responsibility is to protect ferrets coming into the show hall as best we can. If we know someone has (or had) ADV positive ferrets, than that person should not be allowed to bring ferrets into AFA shows for a certain period of time. Seems like that's in the best interest of the ferrets that will be attending the show. I like the idea of suggesting that the person be allowed to attend and bring photos of ferrets available for adoption. That way we're offering an alternative and trying for the best in an unhappy situation. When you get right down to it, it seems like AFA gets criticized no matter what we do, so we should do what we think is right. At least that way we can live with our decisions. #6)I agree with Sally and Chrissy. And, as an after thought, everyone with ferrets at the Super Pet Expo brought their ferrets through vet check and provided their vaccine documentation. Everyone, that is except Shirley and Clarence, who did have their ferrets at the show. If anyone has any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact me directly, or post it here, as I have now subscribed to the fml. Vickie Vickie McKimmey AFA President AFA Shows & Special Events Director www.ferret.org [Posted in FML issue 3061]