Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

For which disease are ferrets commonly vaccinated?

1. Feline leukemia

2. Canine distemper

3. Canine parvovirus

4. Adenovirus

The correct answer is: Canine distemper

Ferrets are commonly vaccinated against canine distemper because they are highly susceptible to this viral disease, which can be fatal. Canine distemper is caused by a virus that affects many animals, and it can lead to severe respiratory and neurological symptoms in ferrets. Vaccination is crucial for ferrets, especially those that are in close contact with dogs or other susceptible animals, to ensure their health and prevent outbreaks. The vaccine for canine distemper is designed to stimulate the ferret's immune system to effectively combat the virus if exposed, thereby significantly reducing the risk of infection and the potential consequences of the disease. In contrast, the other diseases listed, such as feline leukemia, canine parvovirus, and adenovirus, are not typical concerns for ferrets, as they are more relevant to other species like cats and dogs. This is why ferrets do not require vaccinations for those specific diseases.