ADV can be shed by an infected ferret even when there is no clinical symptomology. It can be passed during breeding and birth, as well as through feces and bodily fluids. The symptoms may include weight loss, lethargy, and hindquarter weakness. There is often a cough exhibited by infected animals. Blood tests will often indicate a high protein level. Additionally, there is a high incidence of stillbirth and miscarriage in breeding jills that are infected.

There are confirmed epidemic type outbreaks of ADV in Eastern PA and Southern TX, and reported outbreaks in New Zealand and the UK. The outbreaks in Texas and Pennsylvania have been confirmed by necropsy and pathology reports on ferrets which succumbed to the illness.

Many of the outbreaks can be directly tied to "hobby" type breeders, particularly those who are breeding ferrets imported from Canada, New Zealand and England. There is strong evidence that many of the infected ferrets were bred in Minnesota, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

The AFA and LIFE have taken action on several fronts in order to stem the potential for epidemic. The targeted issues are quarantine of ADV infected animals; education of the public; and development of a more efficient diagnostic tool and a vaccine.

A group of ferrets has been quarantined in San Antonio, TX at the San Antonio Ferret Enthusiasts - Ferret SAFE House. A second group of infected ferrets was turned over by a Pennsylvania breeder to the Fuzztek North Ferret Shelter in New Milford, NJ. These ferrets are in permanent quarantine in facilities where proper sanitary precautions are being taken to prevent any further spread of the disease. In addition, the Fuzztek North Ferret Shelter has closed it doors to all but ADV positive ferrets, and will accept referrals of ferrets with proof of ADV positive status for permanent housing and care from other recognized shelters.

There is currently only one available ADV test in the United States. United Vaccine performs a counterelectrophoresis (CEP) laboratory test, which tests for antibodies in the blood. The same test is performed in the UK by Harlan UK LTD. Ferrets that have been exposed to ADV will likely test positive, even if they are not carriers and will never show symptoms of the disease. The CEP test seems to have a potentially high incidence of false positives, and the test is not conclusive of clinical disease. Additionally, it can take up to six months post-exposure for the CEP diagnostic to be conclusive. In order for a vaccine to be developed, a more accurate test is needed. It is estimated that development of the test and subsequent vaccine will cost $100,000.

Dr. Karen Rosenthal, formerly associated with the Animal Medical Center in New York City, and currently a research veterinarian at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, has expressed deep interest in a research study for the purpose of developing a new test and subsequent vaccine.

In order to facilitate the ongoing care of the quarantined groups of ferrets, and the clinical testing and development, AFA and LIFE are spearheading a fundraising drive. An appeal is being made to the public, as well as private endowments and ferret related industries for their generous support in these endeavors. Donations can be made as follows:

Tax Deductible donations towards clinical research and development of a more effective test and vaccine:

Pamela Slack, D.V.M Memorial Ferret Medical Research Grant Fund
c/o The American Ferret Association
Post Office Box 255
Crownsville, MD 21032-0255
ATTN: ALEUTIAN DISEASE FUND

For further information, please visit http://www.ferrethaven.org/aleutian.html
Telephone 1-888-FERRET-1
or e-mail LIFEFERRET@aol.com.