Canine Distemper

Ferrets are highly susceptible to canine distemper and it is fatal. The first vaccination can come at eight weeks of age and again at three months, after that, annual inoculations are advised. Even if your ferret is not going to be exposed to a dog, it should still receive this vaccine since the virus can be brought to your ferret on your clothing, shoes or hands. If you do not know if your ferret has been vaccinated it's recommended that you begin a schedule with yearly boosters.

Symptoms are swollen feet, leading to hard pad, the actual thickening of the soles of the feet and a classical sign of distemper infection, runney eyes and nose, diarrhoea, lack of appitite, a larger than average thirst and a rash, usually under the chin. In its latter stages, the infected animal will vomit, have convulsions and shortly before dying will pass into a coma.

This disease is highly contageous and at the first signs of distemper all infected ferrets must be isolated. IMMEDIATE veterinary advice must be sought.