Rabies Vaccination

As of 1/1/2002 only IMRAB 3 (Merial, Inc.) is accepted for use in ferrets. The recommendation is for 1 ml administered subcutaneously by a licensed veterinarian. The first injection should be given at 3 months of age; then annually thereafter.

Many states do NOT recognize vaccinations that are not administered by a state-licensed veterinarian. Connecticut is one of those states that do not allow "self vaccination."

Detailed information on recommended rabies protocol can be found in the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2001 and Recommendations for Parenteral Immunization Procedures which indicates that all vaccines be administered by a licensed veterinarian and in accordance with the specified immunization procedures.

For the most recent and up-to-date information, we recommend you visit the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) website and search on 'ferret."

For information on Connecticut, you can visit the State of Connecticut, Department of Agriculture, State Veterinarian's Office website for statistics on rabies in Connecticut.