From:
daneedv@aol.com
Date: 2002-02-09 11:07:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Confirmatory tests for Aleutian disease
>Thank you, Danee, for a little further
>explanation. So, if I understand you correctly,
>you are recommending testing "healthy" ferrets
>once a year.
At least once a year - more if ferrets go out in public
places.
>So, which test are you recommending? It seems you
>prefer the ELISA. Is that correct?
I actually prefer the CEP - that is just my personal
preference. There are cases where I think the ELISA is
better, though. With a ferret that is older or sick, I can't
see putting them through the stress of having blood drawn.
With them, a saliva sample may be the best way to go. People
should use whichever test they are most comfortable with.
Also, cost can be a factor. Although the cost of running the
test is similar, the cost of obtaining the sample and shipping
it can vary. Blood needs to be shipped overnight, while
saliva samples for the ELISA can be sent parcel post.
Depending on where you live, that can make a big difference.
Plus, your vet will have to charge to draw blood, where he
might not charge to collect a saliva sample as part of an
exam. None of us want to put a dollar figure on the value of
our kids' health, but the fact is that all of us have some
limit to our financial resources. Given that the CEP and
ELISA may have equal reliability, cost can easily be a
deciding factor.
The EISA is not supposed to be affected by vaccines. One of
the main selling points for it is that there is no wait time
after vaccinating. Whether or not the CEP is affected is up
for discussion. The experts seem divided on that. But, as
long as the blood was drawn before the vaccination was given,
it would not matter.
>And, this is confirmed
>by your statement above, that the POCT has the
>greatest chance of failure. Not too long ago, it
>was being recommended that everyone (including
>shelters) keep a supply of these on hand to test
>on intake. What is being recommended now?
I guess it depends on who you talk to. I think the POCT tests
are great for shelters and breeders - anytime you need an
immediate answer. I have used the POCT tests, and I think if
they are done correctly, they are very reliable. It is simply
a matter of reading and following the instructions. The
problem is, some people may not follow the instructions. They
may get impatient, and not swab long enough, or not allow the
sample to mix in the solution long enough. For safety sake, I
would advise using the POCT for those times that you need an
immediate answer, and use the ELISA or CEP as part of the
yearly exam. But that is just my opinion. And, I would
rather everyone test with the POCT then to not test at all.
Any test is better then no test.
One last thought. Something that can add to the frustration.
Most of the research done on ADV in the past has been done on
mink. Now, mink are similar to ferrets, and the disease
started as a mink disease, but ferrets and mink are 2
different animals. And, now that people are starting to study
ADV in ferrets, they are finding some differences in the way
the disease presents itself. So, when reading about ADV, try
to determine if what is reported is ADV in mink or ADV in
ferrets. It can be different. While there are many things
that are similar, there are enough differences that it is
important to distinguish between the 2. Hopefully, as more
research on ferrets is done, there will be a better
understanding.
Danee
ADV - If your ferret hasn't been tested, you don't know!
For more information visit
http://www.geocities.com/russiansmom