Message Number: YG12806 | New FHL Archives Search
From: rocky_rrr
Date: 2002-04-30 08:43:00 UTC
Subject: Aleutians Disease Virus

I was recently mortified to find a major ferret organization that
does not test their shelter ferrets for ADV (apx 175 per year), nor
is there promotion of ADV education and recommended testing of
personal ferrets.

When a board member was questioned, the response was that they had
queried vets in Maryland and that the general opinion was that there
was no concrete knowledge as to how ADV was spread. Further, that
the statements of ADV "epidemic", or even it's existence as a threat
was so overstated and unsubstantiated, that they did not see it as a
a "real" threat. Thus, no testing at shelter, no testing
requirements at shows, no education.

Being a Shelter Director myself, I know of it's existence throughout
the country because of the various reports of occurrence, and ADV
dedicated shelters. We test for ADV. We promote testing and
education. BUT, I have never seen numbers or saturation areas of
occurrence.

I sincerely thought about this organization's posture and wondered
myself; 1) What notice, and venue, in the Veterinarian field, if
any, promotes awareness of ADV . 2) With regard to them stating that
ADV infections are being exaggerated, is there any study of
demographic occurence on-going. 3) Are Vets required to report
occurrences of a diagnosed infection to any epidemic control group?

This group in question is by no means by themselves with their
thinking. There are still many shelters and organizations that
aren't buying into "any real ADV threat". I became painfully aware
that some numbers are needed to substantiate the argument of it's
existence and threat. Does any such report exist?

Thank you for your time.

Affectionately,
Barbara Clay
Director of Shelter Affairs
Rocky's Ferret Rescue and Shelter, Inc.
Maryland Ferret Welfare and Protection Society, Inc.
832C Falls Rd.
Parkton, Md. 21120
www.gfme.com/ferretrescue/
www.ferretpaws.org

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