Lots of ADV stuff floating around. Thanks to Dr. Wiliams for bringing this issue into the spotlight at Ferrets 2000. In reponse to the person asking about whether ferrets will be exposed to ADV for research. So far none has (to the best of my knowledge). The researchers have several pools of infected ferrets from the Northeast, Midwest and Southwest that they have been receiving blood samples from for study. There are several groups of researchers working on this virus, several proposals have been submitted for review, and who will receive the grant will be decided on shortly. A major factor in distributing a grant will be the researchers desire to work with previously infected animals rather than infecting new ones. I have noticed that there are a great many shows coming up in the next few months. I am BEGGING you all to SPECIFICALLY ask what sanitation methods will be used. If the show producers are vague, do'nt go. If they don't specifically say "We are using Synphenol 3 to sanitize all areas which a ferret may come in contact with, particularly during judging", leave your ferrets home. I have been to waaaayyyy too many shows with lackluster sanitary procedures. IMHO, after breeding, poor sanitation at shows is the next most likely way of your ferret becoming infected. I have actually spoken to one show producer who I quote, "We are not really worried about the spread of ADV. We don't think it is a problem. We are trying to raise money, and don't want to spend any more than we have to to put the show on." That was in response to my asking them to use Synphenol 3. I hope that all the shows use stringent and proper sanitation, and that they all are very successful...BUT, I think that failing to provide proper sanitation in order to make a few extra dollars just shows where they show's producers minds really are. Pitiful that we should even have to discuss this matter. I would also suggest bringing your own Synphenol 3, and making anyone who wants or needs to have contact with your ferret get "sprayed" first. Next, on to Kista's problem... I took the liberty of speaking to an attorney who practices Internet law. The response was: As long as the statements were factual, and she is using the word alleged if the woman wasn't convicted when describing charges, etc., and as long as she is clearly presenting her opinion when describing the conditions, she is protected under the first amendment. He suggested removing the woman's name, and references to her address, using only the town. BUT he also suggested scanning the letter the attorney sent and posting that on the web site, thus the attorney reveals his clients name, not Kim <beg>. Even if the warrant was defective, that has no bearing on this situation. Kim was reporting news, and thus is protected under the same rights as a reporter for the NY Times. However, she also must live up to the same standards. My suggestion is that if the lawyer continues to harrass her, she should go to the ACLU for help. They LOVE first amendment cases. Also, just a note that Fuzztek Central has some great ferrets for adoption, most under 2 years, many colors and patterns (BEW, silvers, several blazes, mitts, etc.) We don't ship, but are centrally located in NJ, less than 90 minutes from SE CT, Rockland, Westchester, NE PA, and most of NJ. (We don't adopt to NYC) E-mail me if you're interested :-) Anne [Posted in FML issue 3186]