Hello All: BIG as you can see, I have been requested to forward this to the FML. My only personal comment is that the Hertzogs enjoy a very good reputation among the ferret community and I know that they would not knowlingly do anything to hurt the health of any ferret. They are deserving of our support. Dale >We had a situation arise today that will have a huge impact on our show. >I got a call from the Susquehanna Ferret Club regarding the show tomorrow. >It seems that several people have threatened to pull out if I bring my >ferrets because of the Alutian Mink problem we had back in Aug. > >I have printed up a notice that I would like you to post on the FML for us. >It reads as follows: > >Last August we had fourteen ferrets that came into our rescue which we had >tested and proved positive of the possibility of Aleutian Mink Disease. >The testing only checks for the presence of antibodies, which could mean >that the ferret is building an immunity to the disease. We removed them >from our premises and spent over $1,200.00 in testing of these and our >personal ferrets. We have documented proof that all of our personal >ferrets are negative of this disease. > >We reported this problem immediately so others might be spared the >heartache and expense we went through. Now we are the victims of our own >honesty. We are being boycotted and told others will not come to shows if >we bring our ferrets (the same ferrets that we have proof of their lack of >this disease.) Our rescue is totally supported with the money we earn by >selling products at these shows, and now we are not allowed to bring the >ferrets to model the products. > >None of the ferrets being brought to ferrets shows need to show proof of >not having this disease, and that should not be required because of the >unliklyhood of spreading this disease. The disease itself is extremely >difficult to transmit because it can only be transmitted through direct >contact with the excretions of an affected ferret. > >Shirley Hertzog [Posted in FML issue 2864]