If you want to take your ferrets to a show, they have to be vaccinated
against distemper.  Different show sponsors have different rules about which
vaccines you can and can not use.  If the sponsor of a show allows an
unvaccinated ferret, they are putting every ferret at risk!  I know that
L.I.F.E. and A.F.A. absolutely require proof of vaccination prior to
entering the show hall.  I hope that the others do as well.
 
There are several ways of avoiding reactions to vaccines.  Avoid giving
rabies and distemper within 2-3 weeks of each other.  Speak to your vet
about giving the ferret a dose of Benadryl prior to the vaccination.
 
Don't risk the lives of your ferrets as well as those of many others by even
thinking about bringing a non-vaccinated ferret to a show hall.  Distemper
is airborne, highly contagious, and almost 100% fatal.  Once a ferret gets
it, there is no cure.  The only cure is prevention, and the only prevention
is vaccination.  Please, get your ferrets vaccinated, whether you are
showing them or not.
 
-Anne
[Posted in FML issue 1981]