Hi, it's later in the day and I am still still doing multiple things at
once.  Trying to get back $300+ in desirable merchandise or refund from
Createurs de Beaute which never sent any of the gifts ordered in August
1999, and they don't seem to be able ever keep file copies sent of the
checks with their account info on back.  Got a few things done and waiting
on some other chores -- arrrrrrgghhhh, such a day!  And we are down to the
last bag of litter!!!!  Still hoping that we can get Evan to agree this
time to learn HIMSELF form a registered dietician; Sue learned a lot and
his meals are safer but he sneaks out and gorges on fatty candy which he
thinks won't hurt him -- we all get pretty freaky on and off about it.
 
Anyway, if this sounds disjointed you will know why.
 
Since CDV vaccines have come up a lot again recently here's a reminder
for those who want to write again or who have not written, yet, about a
possible future option which won't have the reaction problems associated
with existing alternatives (original information from Bruce Williams, but
know no new info):
 
>CANINE DISTEMPER VACCINE ALERT
 
>A Recombinant Vaccine Potentially Available for Exotic Carnivores and
>Ferrets
 
>Initiation of a Letter Campaign
 
>Currently there are no licensed CDV vaccines commercially available that
>can be used safely in CDV-susceptible exotic carnivores.  The modified-live
>products are dangerous because they can induce clinical canine distemper
>in most susceptible carnivores exhibited in zoological parks.  There have
>been a number of outbreaks of canine distemper both in zoos and in the
>wild, with no capability of protecting these animals from the ravages of
>this disease.  Many are endangered species.  Existing modified-live
>canine distemper vaccines labeled for ferrets have been associated with
>unpleasant reactions and in some cases with immunization failures.  Pet
>ferrets are a growing multi-billion dollar industry that will readily
>provide a substantial market for a safe and effective canine distemper
>vaccine.
>
>Recently, Merial Ltd. in Athens, GA has successfully marketed a multivalent
>vaccine for dogs (Recombitek series) containing a recombinant (canary pox
>vectored) canine distemper vaccine component which is not infectious.
>In 1997, Merial provided the recombinant distemper component as an
>experimental monovalent vaccine to the American Association of Zoo
>Veterinarians' (AAZV) vaccine committee for clinical trials in a number
>of carnivore species.  Challenge-results in ferret-crosses showed the
>recombinant vaccine to be entirely safe and efficacious, and seroconversion
>was acceptable in most of the zoo species vaccinated, including felids.
>
>According to Merial, this vaccine is supposed to be developed as a
>monovalent ferret product that could be used (off-label) for zoo
>carnivores.  But it is unclear when and if this will really happen.
>Merial Ltd. holds a biological product which potentially could remove the
>threat of canine distemper from these valuable species.  We therefore urge
>that as a Zoo or Wildlife Park, a Conservation Organization or a Ferret
>Association, you write a letter directly to Merial Ltd. voicing your needs
>for this very important vaccine.
>
>Please do this as soon as possible.  Send the letter to:
>
>Dr. Zack Mills, Director of Marketing
>Merial Ltd.
>115 Transtech Drive
>Athens, GA 30601
>
>Thank you. Richard J. Montali, DVM, Chairman, Canine Distemper
>Vaccine Committee, AAZV
 
Quick Q & A (from info from B.W.and info known which he backed): this form
of vaccine can reduce the reaction risk DRAMATICALLY which can't be said
for the others, the "big cats" often have known CDV infection problems in
wild and in zoos -- especially lions, and the ferrets/polecats used were
steppe polecat-BFF crosses.  I have NOT been informed of this leading to
any deaths or health problems in the ferrets/polecats.  It might save
lives due to reduced reaction risk IF it can be brought onto market.
[Posted in FML issue 2961]