Most veterinarians administer a combination canine distemper-feline distemper vaccine. Rabies Ferrets are assumed to be highly susceptible to rabies and capable of transmitting the virus. A killed rabies vaccine should be given annually, starting at 3 months of age. There are now rabies vaccines approved for use in ferrets. Some of these ferrets tested positive for feline leukemia virus, while others tested negative.
Cancer can be one possible result of such an infection.
Some researchers believe that leukemia and related diseases among ferrets may be caused by a virus or viruses specific to ferrets. This is another serious viral disease of cats for which ferret susceptibility is not yet known. There is no vaccine available for this disease, not even for cats. Because of the lack of knowledge regarding ferret susceptibility to this disease and the other feline diseases previously discussed, ferret owners should be extremely cautious with regard to their pet's exposure to cats, especially those exhibiting signs of illness and those of unknown health status. Unlike distemper, however, influenza usually passes within 5 days of the onset of illness, and ferrets recover.