Ferrets
VACCINATIONS

CANINE DISTEMPER - Canine distemper (CD) is a contagious disease caused by a large RNA paramyxovirus (Canine Distemper Virus or CDV). CDV can be transmitted to ferrets directly from infected animals including dogs, foxes, raccoons and other ferrets, through contact with infected material such as shoes or clothing. You can bring CDV home if you are in contact with infected material in places such as the woods, a pet store or a breeding facility. Using a CD vaccine that is not approved for use in ferrets can also transmit CDV.
The current recommendation is to have your pet vaccinated for CDV annually. There is evidence that the vaccination may last up to three years in some animals, but an antibody titer would have to be performed to determine if this was the case for each pet. Ferrets at high risk such as those going to ferret shows, those with exposure to other species of CDV susceptible animals, those that travel and those in a breeding program where new ferrets are frequently added should be vaccinated annually. Baby ferrets receive a series of vaccinations with the completion at 14 weeks of age. Adult ferrets that have never had CDV vaccination will initially receive a series of two boosters, then one annually thereafter.

RABIES– Rabies is caused by a virus that can affect many species of animals including man. The virus is shed in the saliva and transmission is usually through a bite wound. It can also be spread through contact of infected saliva with a mucous membrane or any open wound. Since rabies is a human health issue, there are strict local and state regulations that govern the vaccination of most domestic pets for rabies. In some areas of the country, if a ferret bites a human and it was not vaccinated for rabies, the ferret will be confiscated and destroyed so the brain can be examined for the rabies virus. This is the law and your lack of knowledge about it will not protect you or your pet. Please find out what the laws are regarding rabies vaccination and ferret bites in your area before there is a problem. It does not matter if your ferret was never exposed to rabies, the law will prevail. There is at least one approved annual vaccination for rabies in ferrets but there is no approved three-year vaccine. Some areas require the purchase of a rabies tag, which your pet does not have to wear, but you need to keep for proof of vaccination. The first vaccination for rabies can be given anytime after the ferret is three months of age and annually thereafter.
The following list represents high-risk situations where ferrets absolutely should be vaccinated for
rabies annually:

• Ferrets living where rabies vaccination is legally required – This one is obvious!

• Ferrets living outdoors – This includes those on taken on camping trips or walked in wooded areas.

• Ferrets with exposure to children – Very young or pet-inexperienced children can inadvertently frighten or disturb a ferret, which increases the likelihood of a bite.

• Ferrets that will be used in public demonstrations or attend ferret shows – When people handle ferrets and are afraid or unfamiliar with them, they may startle the ferret and increase the possibility of a bite.

• Ferrets that are being boarded – This is a protection for your pet should he/she inadvertently bite anyone while you were not there to supervise.

ROUTINE VETERINARY CARE

Ferrets up to 2 years of age – Ferrets up to two year of age need annual physical examinations and annual vaccinations for canine distemper and rabies as described above. If your ferret lives in a an area of the country where heartworm disease is a problem and he/she has access to the outdoors, then your pet should also have an annual heartworm check performed. In addition, your ferret should receive heartworm preventative medication during the heartworm season.

Ferrets over 2 years of age – Unfortunately there are a number of diseases that can plague the ferret after two years of age including adrenal disease, insulinoma, skin cancer and heart disease. In order to manage these problems effectively it is essential to strive for early detection. For this reason we recommend ferrets over two years of age have a physical examination performed at least every six months. For ferrets up to five years of age, we recommend annual blood tests and x-rays to further investigate disease potential. Ferrets over 5 years of age should have these diagnostic tests performed every six months. Routine vaccinations as well as heartworm testing and medication should continue as before. Any additional tests and procedures can be discussed with your veterinarian.

© 2004 Midwest Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital