To Bill Williamson:
 
>Our vet is aware of several severe reactions which have occurred after
>Distemper vaccinations with Fervac.  Two ferrets died and a third had a
>serious recaction but they were able to revive him.  Not all at once, these
>were different vets different times within the last month or two.
>   Advice we were given was to insist on Galaxy-D for distemper.  Does
>anyone have any more information on this?  Dr Williams ??
 
        Bill, severe reactions have been documented with both Galaxy D and
Fervac. You run a risk of a reaction whenever you vaccinate your ferret with
either rabies or distemper vaccines.  You shoul be prepared to wait abuot 30
mins in th evet's office before going home - most of the vaccine reactions
are almost immediate, so by the time 30 minutes rolls around, the most
dangerous part is over.
 
        As far as insisting on Galaxy-D - that may be a little strong. I
vaccinate all my ferrets with Fervac - never a reaction.  Now if you have a
known reactor to Fervac, then a switch to Galaxy-D may be in order.
 
Bruce H. Williams, DVM         Dept. of Veterinary Pathology
Chief Pathologist, AccuPath    Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
[log in to unmask]         Washington, D.C.  20306-6000
                               [log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 1243]