Message Number: SG828 | New FHL Archives Search
From: "Avatar Comics"
Date: 2002-08-16 17:26:42 UTC
Subject: Quick question - ADV testing
To: "Ferret Health List" <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Cc: "Ferret Mailing List" <ferret-list@cunyvm.cuny.edu>
Message-ID: <NEBBKLCFOLPOEDNHLDPOIEIOCBAA.avatar@acsol.net>

I am in desperate need some information about ADV testing. I didn't get any
response the first time so I will try to word the question differently.
I have been reading up on ADV testing and I understand that the ADV
QuickChek test is an antibody test. The way I have always understood these
things (not being a biology major) the presence of antibodies only means
that the ferret has been EXPOSED to the virus - it doesn't indicate the
presence of the virus itself. This is how vaccinations work; exposing the
animal (or person) to a small amount of the virus stimulates to body to
produce antibodies.
My question is: If my ferret has a positive QuickChek test, is there another
test I can do that determines the presence of the VIRUS itself???
I have been reading over all the information on ADV I can find and I have
not found an answer to this question. I would greatly appreciate any help
you more experienced ferret owners (and vets) can give me!

Thanks,

Serena & her 20 paws