Message Number: SG9238 | New FHL Archives Search
From: ahartnett@cox.net
Date: 2004-06-20 01:06:23 UTC
Subject: vaccine reactions
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <310987.1087693583232.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>

I have had 3 ferrets that have had reactions to either distemper (1 was fatal) or rabies vaccines. They were all 2 1/2 yrs. of age. Someone else I know also had a ferret have a distemper reaction at age 2 1/2. Is this common to have reactions after the 5th distemper vaccine?

My vet suggested that I give my ferrets their vaccines every 3 yrs. rather than omit them all together. She said there has been studies done on the 1-yr. vaccine for dogs and cats and it was found that the vaccines actually last 3 yrs, altho these studies aren't conclusive.

My questions are these - IF the reactions are being caused by a build-up of the vaccine titer, is it safe to assume a ferret wouldn't get a reaction if the vaccine is given every 3 yrs.? Also, does anyone else agree that a ferret should have adequate coverage for 3 yrs. with the current vaccines? And again, is 2 1/2 yrs. the magic age to have a reaction?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me. I don't know if I should go along with waiting 3 yrs. for my 2 ferrets that have had reactions and my 1 ferret who has not.

Amy Hartnett