Ferret Bite Risk Can be Reduced

Unfortunately, there are many people in the world who do not view the ferret with the same awe and affection that ferret owners do. This includes Public Health and Animal Control departments in certain areas of the country that still view the ferret as a dangerous wild animal ready to leap upon humans with bloody fangs and spread dangerous diseases. Nothing could be further from the truth but, unfortunately, these are the people that make the laws. There has been a lot of progress over the last 20 years in the education of public officials on the true nature of the ferret. However, there are still areas of the country where ferrets are illegal or where ferrets appropriately vaccinated for rabies can be confiscated and euthanized if they bite a human.

It is your responsibility to be familiar with the laws in your area regarding ferret ownership. The following is a list of guidelines to consider when taking your ferret “public” wherever you live. They can also be followed in the home when curious visitors want to handle your pet. These guidelines can be used for other pets as well. With common sense and responsible pet ownership we can avoid tragedy.
BE AWARE OF THE LAWS IN YOUR AREA
As mentioned, you should be familiar with the laws of your state, your county and your city because they all may be a bit different. There are cities within ferret legal states where ferrets are forbidden. Find out if there are any restrictions on ferret ownership, such as number of ferrets, areas where they are illegal, if licensing is needed, what the violation penalties are and what the exact procedure is in case a ferret bites a human. Call the Public Health department of the state or city and the Animal Control department of the county for this information. All of these numbers are available in phone directories. You cannot claim ignorance once an incident occurs, it will be too late at that point and you could lose your pet or pay hefty fines or veterinary fees.
RABIES VACCINATIONS AND QUARANTINE
Keep your ferret current on its rabies vaccination, which usually mean yearly revaccination. Make sure your veterinarian is using a vaccine that is USDA approved for use in ferrets. Keep the proof of vaccination handy in case it is required. If your ferret bites a human, your ferret will be required to have an examination performed by a veterinarian to detect any signs of illness. You will then be required to quarantine your pet in your home for a period of 10 days at which time it goes back to the veterinarian for a follow up examination to make sure no disease is present. Some localities require that ferrets be quarantined at the veterinary office and not in your home. If the ferret is healthy on the second visit, it is released from quarantine. You are completely responsible for all veterinary costs, regardless of who you think was responsible for the bite incident. If you own the ferret, you are responsible.
Currently the only accepted way to test any animal for rabies is to euthanize it and remove the brain for microscopic examination. If you live in a state where ferrets are illegal or where the rabies vaccination is not recognized as protective, the only recourse is to perform this examination which of course means the death of the pet. There are still some areas of the country that do not recognize the rabies vaccination as protective in the ferret and even a vaccinated ferret can be euthanized and tested for rabies.
TETANUS IMMUNIZATION
Anybody working around animals where a bite can occur should remain current on their tetanus vaccinations. These are inexpensive and in adults are only required every 7 to 10 years. Consult your physician or Public Health Department for more information.
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