Female ferrets in heat can be taken out of heat within about 3 weeks by injection of a specific hormone after the first 10 days of heat. Feline Distemper Researchers claim that ferrets are not susceptible to feline distemper. There are, however, reliable reports to the contrary. Consequently, the decision to vaccinate ferrets against this disease is an option for each ferret owner. The vaccination schedule for feline distemper is the same as for canine distemper.
Most veterinarians administer a combination canine distemper-feline distemper vaccine.
Rabies Ferrets are highly susceptible to rabies and can transmit the virus. A rabies vaccine is now available for use in ferrets. Ferrets 3 months of age or older should be vaccinated, with annual boosters thereafter. Owners of vaccinated ferrets should know, however, that under certain circumstances, public health authorities may require euthanasia of vaccinated ferrets that have bitten a person. Other Diseases Ferrets are not susceptible to viruses that commonly produce upper respiratory disease in domestic cats, nor are they susceptible to canine hepatitis.