As long-time FHL readers know, there have been two studies done on
titer levels in ferrets who were properly vaccinated against Canine
Distemper (so the full kit series OR two adult vaccines 2 to 3 weeks
apart in adults whose vaccination history is not actually known -- a
good practice for any shelters to follow).
Each of those two studies used a different methodology and they were
independently done so that makes them EXCELLENT mutual support once
both are accepted for publication and published, with independent
verification being an essential in science. The FHL's Dr. Ruth Heller
did one of them, with the American Ferret Association providing at
least some of the funding.
See past posts such as:
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/FHL13494
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/FHL9127
The other was privately funded (money from an inheritance) and that one
is now published, but not yet listed in PubMed. It is in AEMV Forum:
Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine 21 (2012), pp 243--247
Serum-Neutralizing Antibody Responses to Canine Distemper Virus
Vaccines in Domestic Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)
Robert A. Wagner, VMD, Dip. ABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal), Nitin
Bhardwaj, DVM, MVSc, PhD
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1557506312000845
Here is the abstract, and those who are not subscribers who want the
full article can purchase it from the publisher at the Science Direct
URL given above:
Abstract
One-hundred-fifty pet ferrets, 16 weeks to 8 years of age, were
evaluated for the presence of serum-neutralizing (SN) antibody titers
against canine distemper virus (CDV) vaccine. All ferrets received an
initial vaccine at the source of origin some time before 9 weeks of
age, and one or more commercially available CDV vaccines beginning at
14 to 16 weeks of age. SN antibody titers were measured at 1, 2, 3,
and > 3 years after each ferret received their last CDV vaccination.
Ferrets with titers < 1:50 were revaccinated and antibody titers were
measured at > 4 weeks after vaccination to determine seroconversion
to >= 1:50 SN titers. Ninety percent (135/150) of the ferrets had
titers in excess of 1:50. Ten percent (15/150) of the ferrets had
titers < 1:50, and revaccination of ferrets with < 1:50 SN titers
increased anti-CDV SN titers to >= 1:50 in 40% (6/15) of these ferrets.
Age, sex, time since last vaccination, and vaccine brand did not
significantly influence the differences in anti-CDV antibody titers.
Our results suggest that ferrets maintain SN antibody titers of > 1:50
against CDV for > 3 years after being vaccinated at 14 to 16 weeks of
age or older, and there is no significant difference in the ability of
3 brands of CDV vaccine to elicit anti-CDV SN titers.
Key words: canine distemper virus; duration of immunity; ferret;
humoral immunity; Mustela putorius furo; vaccination
BTW, in Dr. Ruth Heller's study we personally had one of the ferrets
who actually needed annual vaccinations since he just did not get
decent titer levels. For some reason Hubble's immune system just never
wanted to be educated by the vaccine, year after year... So, we like
titers. We feel safe with the ones who have high titer levels and
probably will test them only every 3 years or so now, but if we get
one like him again that ferret will either be tested or vaccinated (or
both) annually.
Related topic:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/message/17611
Challenge studies have not been done in ferrets, so the numbers people
typically use are the ones known to be protective in dogs.
Sukie (not a vet) Ferrets make the world a game.
Recommended ferret health links:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
http://www.miamiferret.org/
http://www.ferrethealth.msu.edu/
http://www.ferretcongress.org/
http://www.trifl.org/index.shtml
http://homepage.mac.com/sukie/sukiesferretlinks.html
all ferret topics:
http://listserv.ferretmailinglist.org/archives/ferret-search.html
"All hail the procrastinators for they shall rule the world tomorrow."
(2010, Steve Crandall)
On change for its own sake: "You can go really fast if you just jump
off the cliff." (2010, Steve Crandall)
[Posted in FML 7504]
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