From:
dr_bruce_williams
Date: 2002-03-03 22:44:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Ferrets and Kennel Cough
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., Universal Ferret <alpha_ferret@y...>
wrote:
> I took my ferrets in for their annual rabies shot and the vet
mentioned something to me I have never heard of before: kennel
cough. He suggested I have my ferrets vaccinated for it but I am not
doing any such thing until I know more about this. Any suggestions
or information would be greatly appreciated. - Diane
>
Dear Diane:
Kennel cough is not a real problem in ferrets, and I would not
recommend vaccinating for it. Kennel cough is a non-core vaccine in
dogs and cats, and is generally only given to those who are likley to
contract it - those in shows, being boarded, or around a lot of other
dogs or cats. It is most commonly used in dogs who board at the
vets' and only rarely in cats.
While ferrets are susceptible to one of the agents that causes kennel
cough in dogs and cats - Bordetella - I have yet to see a spontaneous
case.
With the problems that may be associated with vaccinations in
ferrets, I would be dead set against using this in ferrets without an
established need.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, dVM