From:
jbferretz
Date: 2002-02-05 16:13:00 UTC
Subject: Re: ADV: an MF statement
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "daneedv" <daneedv@a...> wrote:
> I believe that all of the comercially available tests are fairly
> accurate.
> The big problem that I see with the home test is that you need to
> follow the directions carefully.
I also agree with this, more or less. I personally don't think that
any of the tests using saliva are as fool proof as doing the tests
using blood. I have seen too many ferrets test negative using the
saliva test then test positive with the same test using blood. (I
know this happened to someone in December with their 5 ferrets and
their vet did the testing.) I think that there are too many factors
that can make the salvia test not as reliable. For instance, how do
you know you are getting enough saliva for the test? What if you
have a dry mouthed ferret? You don't have these issues with a
capillary tube full of blood.
Personally, I prefer to use the United CEP test. Once you get the
hang of it, it is very easy for one person to do. I regularly test
20-30 ferrets semi annually. If you are a breeder or a shelter,
there are no excuses, you must test. If you are doing the show
circuit, you definitely must be testing. If you are a pet owner and
don't take your fuzzies out, you don't need to test as often. But
you still need to test, and this mean more than the POCT spit test.
The POCT spit tests should mainly be used by shelters when a newbie
comes in the door. That should catch any active shedders - hopefully
it should. But the blood test should still be run. Is this going to
cost more, yes, but can you afford NOT to do it?
Also, please remember that kits usually go to some sort of
distributor before entering the pet store. Most likely this is the
source of infection, if indeed the kit turns up positive, and we all
hope and pray this is not the case.
Vickie
Just a Business of Ferrets
www.mindspring.com/~jbferret