RE: RESPONSE TO QUESTION about the AFA ADV Fund On March 3, 2004, Barbara Grisowold wrote the following in the FML: >I have some questions about the AFA ADV Research Fund, and I am hoping >someone on this list can answer them...... > >My questions are: > 1. When will the money be sent? and > 2. Is the AFA still collecting donations or not?........ * * * The American Ferret Association, Inc., (www.ferret.org) responds: In 2003 the American Ferret Association's Aleutian Disease Virus (ADV) research grant fund totaling $4032 was awarded in its entirely to the University of Georgia ADV project team. This team, headed by Heather Wilson, DVM, Dipl. ABVP-avian, (Assistant Professor Avian/ Exotic Animal Medicine), is developing an ADV antibody test, that when used in conjunction with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that detects ADV viral DNA particles ("antigen"), should provide a valuable diagnostic and screening tool to identify AD infection in ferrets at various stages of the disease. From this research Dr. Wilson hopes to one day develop a vaccine to prevent ADV. Dr. Wilson's article about this project, as well as other articles and information on ADV will be reported in the upcoming issue of the AMERICAN FERRET REPORT, the official member newsletter of the American Ferret Association. BACKGROUND The American Ferret Association, Inc., (AFA) initiated a grants program in 1999 to support research that would benefit the health and welfare of ferrets. In May 1999, following the tragic accidental death of AFA member veterinarian Pamela Slack, the fund was renamed: "The Pamela Slack, DVM, Memorial Research Grant fund ["Memorial fund"]." To be eligible to receive a grant from the American Ferret Association, researchers are required to submit a grant application that includes a research proposal. These applications are reviewed by a panel of experts and ranked by merit. All donations submitted to the AFA Memorial fund have been gone towards medical research for the benefit of ferrets. At the request of the AFA membership donations made between 1999 and 2002 could be specfically marked for research on Aleutian Disease. Following last year's award, this AFA program is no longer active. But this does not mean that AFA research funds cannot be awarded in the future to those conducting ADV research, only that donations are not being targeted for any particular condition at this time. Proposals are being reviewed on a competitive basis. Donations are continually being sought for the Pamela Slack, DVM Memorial Research Grant fund, and because the AFA is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) educational organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service, such donations may be tax deductible. INFORMATION & INQUIRIES The American Ferret Association appreciates your interest in its programs. As a nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers, AFA's website may not always be current, although efforts are being made to provide content updates on a more regular basis. Information on AFA's programs, including its research grants program, are reported in the AMERICAN FERRET REPORT, as well as the AFA website (www.ferret.org). The AFA also hosts Ferret Expos and veterinary conferences, which provide the latest findings in ferret medicine presented by experts from around the country in an effort to keep veterinary professionals apprised of the newest procedures and treatments available for the ferret. It should also be noted that while AFA officers, staff and members may participate as individuals in the Ferret Mailing List, the AFA does not maintain an official presence on this Listserve. Inquiries regarding the American Ferret Association and AFA's programs should be submitted directly to the AFA by e-mail: [log in to unmask]; by fax: 516-908-5215, or toll-free, by telephone: 1-888-FERRET-1 (USA only). AFA MISSION The American Ferret Association, Inc., incorporated in the State of Maryland in 1992 as a nonprofit, tax-exempt educational organization, was founded in 1987 with the following Mission: To PROMOTE: the domestic ferret as a companion animal To PROTECT: the ferret from anti-ferret legislature, mistreatment, neglect, unsound breeding practices and needless scientific research. To PROVIDE: up to date information concerning veterinarians, shelters, breeders and research data. AFA looks forward to your participation. [Posted in FML issue 4442]