To Cindy Sooy - You are correct - Galaxy D uses a mammalian cell line
for the amplification phase - where previously a chick embryo cell line was
used.  Early on, because of the exquisite sensitivity of ferrets to
distemper and the fact that this appears to be one step closer to having a
mammalian-adapted virus being loosed in ferrets.  (Remember, Galaxy-D is
not intended to be used in ferrets, but dogs, which are not quite so
susceptible.)
 
    Well, several months later - I have not yet heard of any cases of
ferrets coming down with distemper from Galaxy-D, so I suppose we are okay
here.  We were rightfully prudent at first considering the magnitude of
change of the vaccine, but we can all probably breathe a bit easier.
 
    don't think that Galaxy D is without reactions, though - it seems that
there is no perfectly safe vaccine available for any ferret diseases - no
matter what vaccine we are using, we still have to be cognizant of the
possibility of a vaccine reaction...
 
Bruce Williams, DVM  [log in to unmask]  OR  [log in to unmask]
Bruce Williams, DVM, DACVP              Department of Veterinary Pathology
[log in to unmask]               Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
[log in to unmask]             Washington, D.C.  20306-6000
(202) 782-2600/2602
[Posted in FML issue 1193]