FAS Annual Ferret Frolic - CANCELLED

It is with deep regret that the Ferret Aid Society announces the cancellation of our annual Ferret Frolic this year. This decision was not made lightly especially since our frolic is one of our biggest fund-raisers of the year.

Due to Aleutians Disease Virus factors, our shelter has decided to postpone the frolic until next year when we can safely guide you in appropriate testing measures to ensure a safe and healthy frolic for all.

While ADV is nothing to panic about, there is no cure and no vaccine for it. We would rather be able to provide everyone a safe haven for fun than a scary, unsure situation.

This decision was made in light of a ferret testing positive for ADV in the Ottawa area. Though a second test proved a negative result, it doesn't guarantee this ferret doesn't have ADV. We are waiting on results of a third test. While Ottawa isn't exactly close to Toronto, many of us aren't regularly testing for ADV and there is no way for us to know if it is in Toronto proper. However, 2 other ferrets have tested positive for the virus in the last 8 months (Brampton & Niagara Falls).

Though many Canadian shelters (and vets) don't take ADV seriously, we feel it is in the best interest of YOU, our members and supporters to have a safe environment to enjoy with your fuzzies.

I can assure all of you that the research we have done to come to the decision of canceling this years frolic shows differently. ADV is very serious and testing ALL ferrets (healthy or otherwise) should take place routinely. Though not all ferrets who test positive for the virus will get sick, there are many that do and The Ferret Aid Society feels that we should take on the responsibility to help keep your pets safe. We care :)

For any of you attending this year's IFC Ferret Aid conference, you will learn a LOT about this virus. You will also meet other shelter operators who have dealt with outbreaks and heartbreak over ADV.

While I will again stress that there is nothing to panic about, now is the time for you to educate yourselves on ADV and how to prevent it. Testing your ferrets and knowing is one of the most important things. While frolics and meet ups are the easiest way to transmit this virus, the Ferret Aid Society hopes to come up with a safer environment by implementing an ADV free frolic next year with mandatory testing for every ferret attending.

ADV is not a death sentence for your ferret, but it can be. No one knows exactly how ADV reacts in a ferret and much further research is needed. I HIGHLY suggest you pick up the June/July issue of Ferrets Magazine and read Danee Devore's article on ADV.

Many years ago, Dr. Kevin Saldanha warned me about ADV. He told me that while everyone was panicking about ECE, he felt that ADV deserved to be looked at more seriously. His words often ring in my ears.

We will have a list put together of veterinary clinics in the Toronto and surrounding areas that will be set up for ADV testing for next year. There is also a link below to Avecon who does an ELISA saliva test that you can do at home for under $20.

Below you will find some great information on ADV.

"http://www.ferretadv.com
http://www.ferretuniverse.com/health/adv.html
http://www.ferret.org/read/aleutianarticle.htm
http://www.avecon.com/advabelisa.html for testing information. It is said that the saliva test ELISA is more accurate than the blood test ELISA. The saliva can be done by you and sent regular mail as well (unlike blood samples)
http://www.ferrethaven.org/dr.html
http://wolfysluv.jacksnet.com/adv-straight.html ADV for the regular person
http://www.texasferret.org/news/199807.shtml From a shelter who had an outbreak of ADV in Texas.

If any of you have any questions, concerns or would just like to chat about your feelings, please contact me any time. We would love to hear from you with anything that is on your mind. While I am no 'expert' on ADV, whatever I don't know I will put to the real ADV experts and others who have dealt with the virus. Our shelter is still learning about the virus and we all hope to learn more at this year's IFC Ferret Aid conference.