From:
suedvm96@hotmail.com
Date: 2004-09-11 01:06:10 UTC
Subject: RE: worry about disease?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <2284212.1094864770474.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
I would be very reluctant to handle others without your own ferret being protected. The immune system is not as good at his age. I don't see why you would not vaccinate unless the reactions in the past have been life threatening. If you have concerns about vaccine reactions I would just go ahead and premedicate and get them up to date. I caution all people working with animals in shelters or hospitals to be careful around their own animals, vaccinated or not. Yes the risks may be small with the work you mention, and if the ferrets you work on are vaccinated it is limited as well, but it would be unethcal for me to even consider telling you it is safe to work with others when yours are not vaccinated. Don't mean to be so blunt but it is the truth. Good luck in what ever you decide. All the best.
Dr. Sue
Author wrote:
> My ferret (just one) has not rec'd vaccinations of any kind for about 4 years. I really don't want to have him vaccinated now. He is 6 y.o. Is it a risk for me to volunteer giving shelter ferrets baths, cleaning cages and bringing something home? What precautions should I take? Or should I not volunteer at all w/o having my ferret vaccinated?
> Thanks in advance.