Vaccinations for ferrets: what are needed and what if not put
Boris Mats, veterinarian at the Sputnik clinic, explains in detail whether domestic ferrets need vaccination.
Imagine a pet that is almost never taken outside and doesn’t socialize with others. Usually in such situations, the owners come to the conclusion that the pet does not need vaccination: “Why would my ferret get rabies or distemper? He’s home!“. Unfortunately, in real life, things are not so simple.
It is not necessary for a ferret to come into contact with a sick animal to contract distemper or rabies. It is enough to walk on the grass, where a sick dog recently passed. Or use the item of care for a sick pet: a brush, a bowl, a stove bench. And the most unexpected thing: a person can bring home the causative agent of infection, on his clothes or shoes. It is impossible to protect a pet from such a scenario, even if you “blow dust off it” and provide the best care.
The two most dangerous infectious diseases in ferrets are distemper and rabies. And there is only one reliable protection against them – vaccination. To neglect it means to risk the health of the pet, and your own.
Infectious diseases are especially dangerous for newborns and young ferrets, whose body has not yet had time to get stronger. At risk are the elderly and pets with weakened immune systems.
Canine distemper in ferrets is usually severe and, if not treated promptly, is fatal. Rabies is much less common in ferrets. But still, there are cases when a person became infected with rabies from a ferret. Let me remind you that from the moment the first symptoms appear, this disease is 100% fatal. Answer yourself the question: is it worth exposing yourself and others to such danger if you can get vaccinated?
I recommend vaccinating all pets, even if they never leave the house. The only condition is that the pet must be clinically healthy. A weakened body will not be able to form a powerful immune response to an irritant. Thus, the vaccine will not only be useless, but will also lead to a severe course of the disease, from which it is supposed to protect.
If you notice your ferret is unwell or has just recovered, set up a new vaccination schedule with your veterinarian.
The first procedure against plague is carried out at 6-9 weeks. The vaccine is administered three times with an interval of 3-4 weeks. Further, it is necessary to vaccinate a pet against the plague once a year.
The first rabies vaccination is given at 12 weeks of age. Thereafter, every year.
After the procedure, the ferret is quarantined. During this period, the owner should carefully monitor the animal, as there is a risk of complications: acute allergic reactions that occur within an hour, or the manifestation of the disease itself. If you notice these symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately.
Let me remind you that the effect of vaccination depends not only on the state of immunity, but also on the quality of the vaccine. In no case do not purchase a vaccine from the hands and do not contact dubious private doctors. Choose reliable clinics and experienced veterinarians who help pets with modern drugs. Health is not an area where it is profitable to save.
