When do ferrets have there jabs?

Answer 1

Ferrets bought from pet stores should have received a temporary distemper vaccination at 6 weeks of age, and you need to schedule a series of appointments with your veterinarian.

Ferrets require two vaccinations: Rabies and Canine Distemper. Only three vaccines are recognized by the USDA as effective in ferrets. IMRAB-3 for rabies and FERVAC-D or Merial's PureVax for distemper.

(Note: PureVax is a new distemper vaccine for ferrets that may result in fewer allergic reactions.)

The following vaccination protocol should be followed:

* Canine Distemper - Given at 9, 12 and 16 weeks, For older ferrets with unknown vaccination history, vaccinate twice over a two week period. Canine distemper is airborne disease that can be brought indoors on clothing and shoes, and it always fatal in ferrets.

* Rabies - Given after 13 weeks of age

Canine Distemper and Rabies Vaccines cannot be given at the same and need to be given at separately. Numerous ferrets have been reported having bad reactions from immunizations. The veterinarian usually gives a ferret Benadryl to reduce vaccine reactions. Your veterinarian will advise you to wait for at least 30 minutes before leaving, it might be wise to wait at least 45 minutes for any adverse reactions. If a ferret has a vaccine reaction, it usually a serious emergency and they can be close to death. Many owners have had ferrets have a vaccine reaction after leaving the doctor.

Vaccination used to be given annually, check with you veterinarian for recommended time frames. Vaccine are now being approved for every 3 years. Also, their is a titer study being done for ferrets. Google "titer study ferret" or go to Ferret.org to learn more.