From:
Ferrethealer@aol.com
Date: 2005-05-15 19:57:35 UTC
Subject: Reactions, Genetics, and Rabies Re: [ferrethealth] Digest 15 May 2005
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <d.44583c77.2fb903af@aol.com>
In a message dated 05/15/05 2:56:19 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
ferrethealth-digest-help@smartgroups.com writes:
The question was raised with Doc #2 about the lot being contaminated in some
way
and he said that the brand was the same but were purchased months apart. Again
raising the question about lot sizes. Could that still be the issue? Another
point
raised was the possible genetic connection between the two ferrets. IF they
were
somehow related (very difficult to ascertain because of separate rescue
circumstances) could there be a genetic predisposition to reactive behaviors?
As far as being purchased months apart, that is not the issue. If the lot
number (which should be recorded in each ferret's chart) was the same, then the
vaccine was produced in the same batch.
As far as genetics playing a part, of course that's possible. However, since
I see both privately bred and pet store ferrets and have seen reactions in
each (the two that died were not related in any way - one was privately bred and
one was from MF), it's not the only issue.
At the symposium in St. Louis the panel vet's said to never administer both
rabies &
distemper at the same visit. Why is that? In the past the majority of my
group HAD
been vaccinated with both during the same visit and I now have raised my
concern
with that Vet, yet we have been lucky enough to never have had a reaction.
It has been believed for some time and has now been shown in a recently
released study that the chance of a reaction is higher if both vaccines are given
at the same time. Also, in that event, you have no way of knowing which is the
cause of any reaction that occurs.
She was
also quick to state that even with the rabies vaccine & certificate as proof,
if the
ferret does bite a "pissy" person (pissy = will cause problems with
authorities about
being bitten) that the shot is not "recognized" as a preventative and the
person bit
could still press the issue to have the ferret put down & the test done.
PLEASE SAY
THAT AIN'T SO!!!
Now I'm a very worried shelter mom!
Most localities follow the recommendations of the annually released
Compendium on Rabies Control, which recommends that a properly vaccinated ferret
undergo the same quarantine as a properly vaccinated dog or cat. It is indeed known
to be preventive for the disease when the ferret is properly vaccinated.
Check with your local health authorities to determine if that is the case in your
area. If not, you may be able to get it changed to do so.
Dr. Ruth
********************************************
Puppies kiss better than most people.