PetLvr.com - [The Blog]

Ferrets are typically vaccinated against rabies and canine distemper

The first is rare, even rarer in ferrets. But the fear of catching rabies from a bite is so intense that many will choose to get the shot for their ferret anyway. It helps protect the animal, the owner and ward off lawsuits from visitors who might accidentally get their fingers in a ferret’s playful mouth.

Canine distemper is much less rare, and it is airborne. So even if your ferret never comes in contact with another animal, the vaccination is important. Canine distemper can be transmitted from one ferret to another (or a dog to a ferret) by a sneeze. It survives in the air fully long enough to infect the animal. There are other transmission routes, as well.

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The following news has been released by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

OTTAWA, February 12, 2008 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) would like to remind pet owners of precautions they can take to protect their animals from rabies.

Rabies is a federally reportable viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. Rabies is transmitted through saliva-primarily through bite wounds. It can also be spread when infected saliva comes in contact with a scratch, open wound, or mucous membrane, such as those in the mouth, nasal cavity or eyes. The incubation period of rabies can be up to six months.

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According to Toronto Public Health

Puppies sold at a Toronto flea market may have been exposed to rabies. Toronto Public Health is asking anyone who touched or purchased puppies at Dr. Flea’s Flea Market, Booth # 1513, anytime since January 5 to call their local public health unit immediately. Health unit staff will assess your exposure, and determine if you need a rabies vaccine. Rabies, if contracted by humans, is usually fatal. Vaccination can prevent the illness from developing, but must be administered as soon after exposure to the virus as possible.

Press releases on rabies investigation:

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Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats: Too Many, Too Often?

As time goes on, new recommendations will be made by the veterinary profession. Be sure to consult with your own veterinarian regarding this issue of vaccinations for dogs and cats because suggested protocols can change as newer knowledge is gained.

See movies of a vaccination reaction. Do you vaccinate your own pets? Click here and read this before you do. Read Dr. Dunn’s response to a question about vaccinating a dog.

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