From:
kath0524
Date: 2002-06-06 04:48:00 UTC
Subject: 3 Year Rabies Vaccine
I just had my new little stray, Daisy, vaccinated for rabies
yesterday. I happened to look closely at the certificate and it says
it expires in 3 years. I called my vet's office and talked to one of
the techs. They said that this vaccine is now approved for 3 years
for ferrets. It's Merck and Company, Inc. #71861 (product # maybe?),
Serial #12433, Killed Virus.
Is anyone else aware of this? I had not heard that any ferret
vaccines were approved for 3 years. This would indeed be wonderful
if it's true. If not, I need to make sure that my vet removes this
info from the certificates. They were, however, quite confident that
this is correct. This is a new vet so this is the first time I've
seen the 3 year expiration information.
This, of course, would bring into question the state law in Florida
which requires annual rabies vaccinations. There is also a
requirment of proof of an annual vaccination in bite incidents. If I
can obtain documentation that this particular vaccination is approved
for 3 years, I would start working on a sponsor to change the wording
in the law.
Can any vets out there respond to this?
Katharine