Avecon to Stop Elisa ADV Testing
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Avecon Diagnostics is no longer processing Elisa ADV Tests for ferrets.
From Robert L. Stephon, Ph.D. of Avecon Diagnostics -
PLEASE NOTE: BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 15, 2013 WE WILL NO LONGER BE CONDUCTING ADV TESTING. PLEASE DO
NOT SEND IN SPECIMENS AFTER THAT DATE.
This means the only test available will be the CEP blood test. Please visit our Read & Learn
page for more information on ADV CEP testing.
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Canine Distemper Vaccination News Alert!
Merial's Purevax Distemper is still not available until January 2014
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Whenever available, the American Ferret Association recommends the use of a licensed vaccine
against canine distemper in ferrets (currently only Merial's Purevax Distemper). When such a
vaccine is unavailable due to shortages or other problems, the AFA recommends considering the
use of a limited antigen vaccine that has a track record of safe and efficacious use in
protecting ferrets. At this time, that is limited to Nobivac DPv, also known as The Puppy Shot,
which has been used extensively in Europe and contains the vaccine strain formerly available as
GalaxyD. Although it does also vaccinate against canine parvovirus, which ferrets do not get,
it is still the most proven vaccine available at times when the licensed product is not. As
always, the AFA recommends discussion of any vaccination protocol with the ferret's treating
veterinarian, and use of such tools as antibody titers and risk assessment to determine the
ultimate protocol used for each individual animal.
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Every Ferret Counts UPDATE!
The American Ferret Association’s "Ferret Census 2012"
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The American Ferret Association (AFA) finalized data collection in its first-ever ferret census
in March. Throughout the past year, more than 2200 ferret owners logged into the survey and answered
55 questions about their ferrets, health and nutrition, color patterns, ages and more!
The AFA’s Education Committee has now analyzed the data for 33 of these questions and continues
to work on those remaining. After the analysis, we will be sharing the results. Ferret owners,
veterinarians, shelters and retailers of products for ferrets will all benefit from the sharing
process! Reports of the data will appear in the American Ferret Report, on the AFA web page, on
the AFA Facebook page and in special publications.
Volunteers interested in assisting with the remaining data analysis, interpretation and sharing
of the census results should contact the AFA.
The winner of the one-year AFA membership (from those who submitted the survey) will be announced
here SOON! Thank you to everyone for participating in this ground-breaking research. We couldn't
have done it without you!
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