This handout reviewed by Dr. Mark Burgess of Southwest
Animal Hospital in Beaverton, Oregon (503) 643-2137.
Transmission
Canine (dog) distemper is an airborne virus that can
be transmitted from direct or indirect contact with an
infected animal. It can be transmitted from your
clothing, shoes, or from your skin for at least 8 hours
after exposure. In other words, your ferret can become
infected just by inhaling the virus from your skin or
clothing! Since the incubation period can be as long as
10 days, always isolate any new dogs or ferrets brought
into your household for 14 days unless immunity to
canine distemper (and other contagious illnesses) can be
ascertained. Use caution and common sense when handling
other dogs or ferrets.
Symptoms
Canine distemper is virtually 100% fatal in ferrets
within 12 to 42 days after exposure. Once they get the
disease, euthanasia is usually recommended to prevent
the spread of disease to other animals and to put the
animal out of misery. The signs of distemper are the
loss of appetite, foul-smelling yellow or green sticky
eye discharge, swollen eyelids, green or yellow nasal
discharge, swelling of the lips and chin, thick brown
crusts that form on the eyes, nose, lips and chin,
lethargy, diarrhea, a subtle form of pneumonia,
dehydration, swelling of the anus, orange crusting of
the skin in the abdominal and anal area, muscular
tremors, hyper-excitability, convulsions, and in the
later stages thickening and hardening of the paw pads.
Many of these symptoms are never seen because the ferret
will die first. Ferrets do not appear to be susceptible
to panleukopenia (feline distemper).
Immunity and Vaccinations
Kits receive immunity from their mother provided she
was properly vaccinated. Older studies indicated that
this maternal immunity lasted from 5 to 16 weeks. Newer
studies suggest that at 6 ½ weeks of age, only 1/32 of
the original maternal immunity is left. The actual
length of protection is dependent upon the antibody
level of the jill when the kits were born and the amount
of colostrum (first milk) that each kit receives. To
establish and maintain immunity, kits need a series of
three shots at 6, 10, and 14 weeks followed by a yearly
booster. Adults only need a yearly booster unless you
are unable to establish that the ferret has had previous
vaccinations. Two shots given three to four weeks apart
are recommended for adult ferrets that have not
previously established and maintained immunity.
Currently, the only canine distemper (CD) vaccine tested
and labeled for ferrets [see note below] is a modified-live vaccine
called FERVAC-D. Another vaccine that has been used for
many years on ferrets (but not labeled for ferrets) is
Galaxy-D. However, FERVAC has a much higher probability
of a severe reaction than Galaxy-D. Never use any of the
following vaccines: a combination distemper shot such as
the DHLPP which is given to dogs, killed CD vaccine,
feline distemper vaccine, or any CD vaccine cultivated
from ferret tissue. If you use FERVAC-D in conjunction
with Imrab (for rabies), Rhone-Merieux suggests waiting
two weeks (or longer) between the immunizations to
reduce the chance of reactions. Rhone-Merieux states
that this delay is not necessary when Imrab is used with
Galaxy-D
[Note: Merial's PureVax is a canine distemper
vaccine that has been tested and approved for ferrets
since this article was originally written. This
vaccine has a lower, though not zero, rate of reaction.]
Be sure to stay at your vet for at least 30 minutes
after any vaccination and watch for signs of anaphylaxis
(sneezing, vomiting, hives, itching, swelling, bloody
diarrhea, cessation of breathing, or collapse).
Immediate veterinary care is necessary to save the life
of a ferret that experiences anaphylactic shock
including administering epinephrine, steroids, fluids,
and Benadryl. If your ferret has a reaction, ask your
veterinarian about pre-medicating with Benadryl and
cortisone prior to the next booster. If you have any
further questions about canine distemper or need to have
a booster vaccination, please contact a veterinarian who
specializes in ferrets.
© Copyright Carla Almaraz All Rights Reserved.
This article may be reproduced and freely reprinted
provided no modifications
or changes are made. Not-for-profit ferret organizations
may distribute this
article with their contact information.
