You'll probably get several replies on this.  First, it is always a good
idea to take a new pet to the vet.  They can come not only without
vaccinations, but carrying parasites.  The vet will check for ear mites,
she'll look in all the appropriate orifices, she'll feel your ferret's
belly, and she'll take a fecal sample to check for internal parasites.
Sebastian, for example, brought home a parasitic infection called coccidia
(from Marshall Farms no less!).
 
Next, that vaccination your ferret received from the breeder was the FIRST
of his distemper series.  He will need two more distemper vaccs (or is it
three) and one rabies shot.  You'll receive a certificate for the rabies
vaccination which you can show to his victims.  If the wuzzle is too much
older than eight or nine weeks when you get him, the first distemper is no
good and the series must be started over again.
 
For the one who bought a ferret from another owner and is not sure if the
little guy is *really* vaccinated-if she didn't give you a rabies
certificate, he's probably not.  Consult a veterinarian.
 
A quick checkup is never a bad thing for a new fuzzie or one who isn't
acting right.  If I hadn't taken Mortimer to the vet on vague suspicions,
he might not be with us today, as he had a nasty case of adrenal disease.
 
Bests,
Catherine
[Posted in FML issue 1712]