ADV is a virus that causes an autoimmune response in the ferrets body. Many people liken it to HIV and AIDS in humans, and while there are many differences between the 2, there are also some similarities that make it easier for people who don't know about ADV to understand.

Like AIDS, it is spread through bodily fluids, and causes an autoimmune disease. Also, like AIDS, an infected ferret can spread ADV even though it is not showing any outward symptoms.

ADV differs from AIDS, though, because it is very hardy, and can live for long periods outside a host body. Also, while AIDS suppresses the immune system, ADV puts it into overdrive.

With ADV, it is not the virus that damages the organs leading to sickness and possibly death, but the ferret's immune system. The virus causes the immune system to produce antibodies that fail to fight off the virus. Because the virus remains, the body continues to produce the antibodies. Over time, the antibodies form a plaque that deposits in the organs and along the blood vessel walls, causing the organs to malfunction, and possible the blood vessel wall to weaken and leak.

It is important to know the risks of ADV, and even more important to test your ferrets.

Blood Test:

Blue Cross Animal Hospital
401 N Miller Ave
Burley, ID 83318
(208) 678-5553

*When sent please also include at top:
"Attention: Dr. Blau - CEP Tests"

*Note: They prefer you call them ahead, or when you just sent it out that way they know to look for the blood/package!

The saliva test can be done through the following company:

Avecon Diagnostics
510 Grouse Drive
Bath, PA 18014
(800) 249-5875

www.avecon.com


More info can be found at these following links:

What is ADV

http://www.ferret.org/read/aleutianarticle.html

http://www.ferret.org/news/advfundup.htm

http://www.ferretadv.com/

http://help4adv.terrabox.com/

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ferreter/aleutian01.htm

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=483

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=11&cat=1283&articleid=1700


http://www.ferret-universe.com/health/adv.html#test



More Info on ADV Testing:
http://www.ferretadv.com/testing.html

ADV Yahoo Group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/advferret/

Print-out Brochures:
http://www.mdferretpaws.org/brochures/adv_brochure.pdf

http://www.emmettferret.org/media/ADV_trifold_brochure.pdf


ADV Tracking Map
 http://www.mkaresq.com/AdvMap/New%20ADV%20Map/new%20ADV%20Map.htm
 


Video  - Ferret with ADV
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca2qC3vohYw

 

ADV  What is ADV?
ADV is a parvovirus that originated in Aleutian mink. It is suspected to have spread originally from the mink farms when ferret owners supplies came from the same location as the mink breeders. The virus is an antigen and the ferret produces antibodies against it. Instead of eliminating it, the virus and antibody actually join to form immune complexes that damage the liver, spleen, kidneys, blood vessels etc. The virus can be active (symptomatic) or non-active (positive, but otherwise healthy)
Little is known about the ADV shedding period (when the virus is spread), incubation period (development after exposure), and transmission (just how contagious it really is). It is suspected that the virus can be transmitted to other ferrets through contact with anything that has been in contact with a ferret that is shedding the virus (urine, feces, saliva, blood, bedding, cages, etc).

How soon an animal is affected or dies depends on strain and individual i.e. age, pre existing health issues and so on. Being a virus, ADV can mutate. Like different strains of the flu, different strains of ADV can be more virulent. Scientists believe there to be 6 strains that affect mink and 1 that affects ferrets

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

It should be noted that ADV symptoms are identical to other diseases. A ferret showing these symptoms may or may not have ADV and should be taken to a vet to determine the actual cause. In addition, an infected ferret may not show anyY of these symptoms.
• Urinary incontinence
• Lethargy
• Tremors (not the normal ferrety shiver)
• Progressive hind end paralysis
• Muscle wasting
• Black, tarry feces
• Respiratory infections
• Weight loss
• Eye inflammation
• Chronic cough
• Heart disease
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Immune system issues, like kidney and liver failure
How do we treat it?

There is no cure for ADV. Any care given to a ferret is mostly supportive to help control the symptoms. This may include:
• Steroids, like prednisone or dexamethasone
• Antibiotics for secondary infections
• Mineral and vitamin supplements
• Immunosuppressants
How is it prevented?

There is no vaccination available for ADV, so the only way to prevent it is to ensure that infected ferrets are kept away from all other ferrets. To ensure that this happens, annual or bi-annual ADV tests are needed so that infected ferrets are identified and kept separate from non-infected ferrets.

It is also very important to ensure that toys, blankets as well as any clothes that an infected ferret is in contact with are kept away from all non-infected ferrets.

Why Test?

There is no cure, no vaccinations, and not enough is understood about how easily it is transmitted between ferrets. It can be debilitating and fatal - even ferrets not showing obvious signs of the disease can spread it. Testing for ADV, helps control exposure, which helps control the spread of this disease.

What does a positive test mean?

Diligent monitoring of day to day health and happiness of your pet to ensure any resulting problems are treated as quickly as possible. As the disease progresses, supportive care of the ferret will be needed (special feedings, medicines, etc). Many ADV positive ferrets can live a relatively normal life as long as they are monitored carefully and treated as symptoms occur. Infected ferrets must be kept segregated from ADV Negative ferrets and must not attend any public events or visit any ADV Negative homes.
Does Testing Hurt?

The saliva test requires that a ferrets mouth be swabbed with a cotton swab for one minute. It is uncomfortable but does not hurt.

The CEIP blood test requires us to cut a the quick of a toe nail and gather a small amount of blood. This causes a small amount of pain which quickly subsides (and can be soothed with a treat of ferretvite or ferretone).

Do I have to euthanize my ADV positive ferret?   


ADV is not an immediate death sentence. It can be like any chronic illness where your pet has good days and bad or it can be asymptomatic where the ferret shows no signs of the disease and lives out a normal life. Euthanasia is only an option when quality of life is poor.


Information obtained from the Ottawa Ferret Rescue Society Website http://www.ferretrescue.ca