To Stacy Thomas: Stacy, I can't urge you enough to get your ferrets up-to-date on their shots. I know a lot o people post that their ferrets have had reactions from some of the vaccines, but what you AREN'T hearing is the hundreds of thousands of ferrets who aren't having reactions. Vaccine reactions are seen in all species, and are also rare in all species. Distemper is a 100% fatal disease. A reaction is rare. Although your ferrets never go out, they do go to the vet, and the vet's office is a great place for them to pick up many diseases. What about that cute puppy in the chair next to you. Looks healthy, but because he hasn't had his shots, he may be shedding distemper virus. One of your ferrets picks up the virus, and before you know it, all of them are showing signs of a respiratory infection that nothing will touch. Then they start to die one by one.... Am I scaring you -- I hope so. My ferrets go nowhere either. Whenever I go to a ferret show, I immediately wash all of my clothes and shower upon returning (more for fear of the Green Diarrhea, but to prevent any other disease, also, becuase I generally handle a LOT of ferrets). Do I give them vaccinations - you bet. Distemper and rabies. The small expense and the miniscule chance of a reaction is nothing compared to the protection they get and the peace of mind that I get. Responsible pet ownership begins with vaccination. Your child may have a reaction to a rubella vaccine, but you wouldn't let him/her go without one... Bruce Williams [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 1097]