Topics of my post are not meant to be directed at anyone in particular, and definately not toward those trying to stop the advancement of this virus.
Honesty………seems to be a word that’s in high demand and short supply these days. We realize that rarely anyone in our reptile community trusts each other anymore, don’t we? Yet, it seems almost expected that the new comers and buyers of these dragons, should trust the breeders without hesitation. And in the meantime, we don’t even trust each other. Ironic.
I too feel that research and testing are extremely important. I can understand money, profit margin, unexpected costs and the need to pay bills. However, I also understand the impact this is having on new owners or those that do not frequent our forums, not to mention the unsuspecting breeders that have been profoundly effected. Their costs associated with buying their dragon, then the upward cost of vet care before they barely have the time to recover from relocation stress due to the panic, not knowing creates. I’m all for donations for research, but I’m not convinced that the cost of this will not be misconstrued by the greedy and the innocent taken advantage of. Again, we’re back at the trust and honesty issue. However, I will gladly donate a fee monthly toward the research for information, as long it is credible.
I wish for what we all wish for, health and good genetics. Who did what, where, when and why is important, yes, but not as important as controlling what has been unleashed in this community. The here and now………debating the options is wasting time, and costing lives.
What stands before us is an upset community that is afraid of those that have made their names in this circle. They seek the honesty and integrity of those they are supposed to respect. They expect to be supported in their efforts to raise and keep a healthy beautiful dragon from your stock. They’re met with excuses, accusations and assumptions based on the thought that “it can’t be the breeders fault”. In this….I somewhat agree. New keepers often make mistakes, have improper equipment, and the wrong information. However, the new owner expected to receive a perfectly healthy dragon on arrival, which, following relocation, should pick back up to normal. To my understanding, an adeno + dragon can’t withstand these imperfections to the same capability of a healthy dragon.
The guarantees that breeders offer are almost useless. So many things can be excused away. What if you can’t get them to contact you when you have a problem? After all, breeders have lives too. But that doesn’t help your time frame. It takes time to send samples for adeno testing, and that time frame usually isn’t in that guarantee.
I’ve seen many breeders argue the fact that the tests are costly. Their stock is massive and it is not a cost effective solution for them. There have been recommendations that the breeders add testing costs onto the sale of the dragon. Yet the community is losing faith and trust in them now. I believe you can refer to the BOI to clarify.
Only one breeder to my knowledge, and please correct me if I’m wrong, went back and purchased back the positive hatchlings that came from their clutches. I’m certain the cost far surpassed the profit made. And I must say, that is impressive to me. Honor, trust, and the genuine thought of the species is remarkable. This is what we trust. Why? Because the integrity to say “something went wrong” was there. It was researched and identified and dealt with to the best of their ability. It was brought to public attention to make others aware that this problem exists and to help them prepare for what was to come. This information provided so much to help others already. Those that have adeno+ dragons are searching for ways to promote their health and extend their lives without the thought of breeding to contaminate another generation. Thank You for that.
I don't think anyone has the knowledge to say this is over rated or over exaggerated. We simply don't have that information. But whether it is or isn't is NOT the point. The point is........preservation of a healthy species.
The buyers want answers, ones they can understand. How many of you will reimburse that adeno positive baby, the shipping, the testing costs, the vet bills to that new owner, regardless of your own testing beliefs or opinions? At that time, will you test the adults that produced the clutch and post their results?
Simple questions. Who can give simple answers?
I totally agree that nobody should be pushed into something they may not want to do. But I do think anyone who's been affected would want to find a way to get more research done, so we could all have some more concrete answers.
and will donate money and my experiences as well
your a brave person
