The ferret that we all enjoy and love to watch play was originally imported to this country to use as a test subject in the development of vaccine for canine distemper in the first half of last century. The ferret was more susceptible to canine distemper than the dog; therefore, they made an excellent test animal for development of the early canine distemper vaccines.

Vaccines

• Distemper (Note: It is very important that ferrets are given distemper vaccine designed for ferrets; the current vaccine used for dogs will give the ferret distemper.)
• Rabies

All ferrets, in addition to being  properly vaccinated, should be on a health screening program. Ferrets are very prone to developing cancer even at ages less than one year. These cancers often may be treated if detected early. Cancer screening, therefore, is a very important part of all ferret care programs