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BVDV - 2006/03/17 18:48
The previous thread (still trying to recover it) on BVDV had some good points being raised about testing and marketing.
As Adrian had pointed out, buyers, transporters and shows may all well require PCR and/or other tests.
Larry, Adrian and others seem to think that a BVDV herd was important to marketing.
I, on the other hand, took (and take) the position that using BVD tests (or any other for that matter) as a marketing tool is a mistake.
There is a reason that most contracts contain "As Is" language.
I would suggest that it is the buyer's responsibility to have tests performed on animals that they wish to purchase, insuring that those animals meet their standards for purchase.
Further, I would suggest that those tests should be performed by a vet that they have initiated contact with, and that the vet have no relationship with the seller.
If I arrange for my vet to do a pre-purchase health exam, it creates liability for me.
If I provide a list of local vets to the buyer, and they arrange for the exam (and testing), then the responsibility lies wholly on them.
If I, and my vet, certify an animal to be in good health, and free of disease, what protection do I have if the animal's health is compromised between the exam and delivery? I have no real way to "prove" the animal was as stated when the exam was done. There is a conflice of interest that creates liability for me.
If their vet of choice makes the determination, then any subsequent problems clearly belong to them, not me.
John Merrell
Gateway Farm Alpacas
Alpaca, a natural elegance... |
