To Mike Janke regarding rabies vaccination:
 
  You said:  I'm curious as to why a ferret would need a rabies vaccine.  It
doesn't seem carry any weight if the ferret should bite someone.  Also, what are
the odds of a ferret contracting rabies if it never leaves the house or
comes in contact with any other animals?
 
        Mike, I have two options here - I can give you the party line, or what I
personally believe.  So I'll go with what I think and do with my own ferrets...
 
        In most states and locales (not every one, though), proof of rabies
vacinnation means nothing for non-domestic animals, of which the ferret, in most
locales, is considered, along with raccoons, skunks, etc.  As the latency period
in many of these species can be up to a year or more, the animal is generally
sacrificed and the brain examined for rabies, rather than subjecting the human
to undergo rabies treatment.  I don't say its right, I just say that's the way
it is.
 
        Hence, rabies vaccination may only be a protection for you as to degree
of liability, and may provide further impetus for someone not to contact the
local health department following a bite.  Should they, the authorities will
come for your ferret.  Rabies protection will protect only against rabies, not
against the local bureaucracy.
 
        Is there a chance of developing rabies without contact with wild animals
- no.  I did two years ago see a case of two mink which were kept outside in a
cage around which wild raccoons frequently were seen - one of the animals died
of rabies.  But if there is no contact, there can be no transmission.
 
        My animals stay inside, and Colleen and I keep strangers and children
away from them.  I do not vaccinate - there is no need.  I do recommend
vaccination for people who take their ferrets to schools, nursing homes, shows,
anywhere that they may come in contact with strangers.  You never know what
might happen, and having a certificate in your hand MAY enable you to fend off a
potentially deadly situation.
 
To Michelle and all others....
 
You said:  I buy the Vaccinations directly from the company at cost, and I take
it in to my vet and she vaccinates them, I pay for the Needles, and her time, It
comes out considerably cheaper, and all are happy. And The vet IS the one who is
doing the Vaccination, so I could get the certificates if needed, and best of
all.... I have beat this crummy system!!!
 
My reply:  Yes, you have.  This is the best way to ensure proper health care at
a reasonable rate.  Talk with your vet; most will be happy to work with you in
this fashion.  If they're not...find one who will.
 
 
To Jim Lapeyre -
 
        Of course your ferret's not insane...but it may be a critic...
 
 
Bruce Williams (still trying to catch up after the big snow)
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[Posted in FML issue 0729]