From:
wolfysluv@aol.com
Date: 2002-02-05 08:55:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Digest Number 590
In a message dated 02/04/2002 6:38:06 PM Eastern Standard Time,
Ferret-Health-list@yahoogroups.com writes:
it can take only two
weeks after exposure for that exposure to show up in testing.
That
means that if it turns out to not be a false positive (which has
to
be determined FIRST) then there are multiple possible locations
where
exposure may have occurred.
This can not be stated enough. MF ferrets go to a distribution
holding area for quite some time before being shipped out. The
petstore is another holding area to be considered. In between are
all sorts of possibilities, people. Pet stores allow anyone to come
in and often let them hold the babies. Most pet stores also allow
other ferrets to visit the store with customers. How many people,
do babies get into contact with between a breeder and the purchaser,
I have no idea. Remember,,,,, the AD virus is known to last as long
as two years on a surface area. Who knows what objects babies come
into contact with. So keep open minds to all possibilities in
trying to arrive at the truth.
Emotions, can impede progress here, so try to be matter of fact
as hard as it is. A good way to keep feelings in check is to think
in the terms that ADV is not a monster, or mysterious apocalypitcal
event in the ferret world. In the words of Judy Gronwald, mommy to
White Russian, ADV is just a disease, just like adrenal, or
insolinoma to be dealt with. To fight its spread we must coexist
with it as such, and we must deal with it with rational actions.
Remember the facts:
a) ADV infection can be found in tests 2 weeks after exposure
b) Some ADV tests have been thought to be altered by recent
distemper vaccines
c) Kits 6 weeks old and under can not always be reliably tested
even by the ELISA test. That is because of various baby antibodies,
and such. Its just not thought to be feasible right now.
It was good that this was reported so people test and are
careful. That was a good step. It is vital that there is
retesting, and documentation from here on in. Let the
proffessionals do their job (and yes, I do realize many need to be
educated in this area). The next step is, if the baby is positive
in future tests, to alert the petstore, the distributer, MF, and any
one that has been in contact with you in your home that owns
ferrets, or that you and your ferret has been in contact with. Do
it in a logical, calm and responsible manner. Doing so will get you
the best and fastest response in helping to alert others and
stopping the spread of ADV.
Lastly.. if the kit comes back negative in future tests, that
needs to be yelled out just as loudly as you would if it was
positive ok?
Wolfy
Please visit:
http://www.geocities.com/wolfysluv/adv-straight.html