Hi,
In a message dated 5/8/00 2:02:47 AM, Lisa Gibson <[log in to unmask]> writes:
>Is there any harm in not vaccinating our two ferrets?
 
You will want to have them vaccinated against distemper because it is an
airborne virus.  This means that an affected dog or raccoon can walk near
an open window or an air conditioner and transmit virus particles into your
home.  That can expose your ferrets.  So, even if they have no direct
exposure to other animals and never go outside, they can still be at risk.
 
If they EVER have any exposure to other people (guests in your home, and
even if they are outside with supervision, they may have exposure), they
should be vaccinated for rabies.  It only takes a scratch or nip on a
somewhat paranoid person and you may end up having to quarantine, or worse,
destroy your pet.
 
Unless there is a valid medical reason not to vaccinate (severe reactions,
for example), you should ALWAYS vaccinate for distemper (Fervac-D or
Galaxy-D) and rabies (Imrab3).
 
I hope this helps.
 
Kim
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[Posted in FML issue 3046]