for everyone's information:
 
STAR* Ferrets has been tracking distemper vaccine reactions for several
years now.  I don't just sit on this information.
 
I collect a batch of filled in questionnaires (questionnaire is at the end
of this post), load them into my database, make two copies of the filled-in
forms, and mail one set to United Vaccines and one set to the USDA.  We have
not had any major reactions reported with FROMM-D or Galaxy-D at this time,
but if any turn up, the forms will be sent to Solvay as well.  This insures
that if the person who's ferret had a reaction does not know who/how to
contact the authorities, I will do it for them.  the questionaire is also
available on the LIFE Web site:
 
http://www.csc.peachnet.edu/~rpoore/HDavis/life.html
 
Copies of the form went out in the last issues of The Independent Voice and
STAR* Ferrets.  Here it is again:
 
[Moderator's note: Heavily reformatted to more or less fit. BIG]
 
VACCINATION QUESTIONNAIRE
 
Due to the recent controversy concerning canine distemper vaccines, their
uses and their results, S.T.A.R.* Ferrets has decided to rerelease the
following survey.  We are interested in finding out which vaccines are being
used for ferrets, how they are being administered, by whom, and the results.
If you vaccinate your own animals and wish to remain anonymous, please just
fill in the city and state where you live.  If you or your veterinarian have
any more information to provide, please feel free to write details.
 
1.   What vaccine are you using to protect ferrets against canine distemper?
     FERVAC - D      GALAXY -D         OTHER:  _____________
 
2.   Who is administering the shot? SELF      VET       OTHER:  _________
 
3.   Where is the ferret being injected?
     NECK AREA       SHOULDER AREA     HIP AREA
     RUMP AREA       ARM AREA          LEG AREA    OTHER: __________
 
4.   Is the vaccine warmed to room temperature before being injected?
     YES  NO
 
5.   What gage needle is being used?  22   25      OTHER: ________
 
6.   What length needle is being used? 3/4"   1"   OTHER: _______
 
7.   Are you using the sterile solution which is packaged with the vaccine?
     YES      NO
 
8.   Have you ever used any other canine distemper vaccine?  YES   NO
     If so, which one(s):  FERVAC - D    GALAXY -D
                           FROMM-D       OTHER: ________________
 
9.    Are you having any reactions with your present canine distemper
      vaccine? YES      NO
 
10.   Have you had any reactions with your past canine distemper vaccine?
      YES       NO
 
11.   Please list any reactions & % below:
                                      _PRESENT VACCINE_    _PAST VACCINE_
a.  no reactions                                ________       ________
b.  stings ferret while injecting vaccine       ________       ________
c.  ferret screams while injecting vaccine      ________       ________
d.  ferret becomes lethargic after vaccination  ________       ________
e.  vomiting occurs after vaccination           ________       ________
f.  seizures occur after vaccination            ________       ________
g.  other problems:                             ________       ________
h.  lot number & date on the vaccines:          ________       ________
i.  was this shot given in conjuction w/rabies: ________       ________
j.  month/year of vaccination(s):               ________       ________
k.  how many vaccines have you used/year:       ________       ________
 
Name: ___________________________________
City: __________________ State: _______
Signature: ______________________________________
Date: _________________________
 
Please mail to : S.T.A.R.* Ferrets, PO Box 1714, Springfield, VA 22151-0714
[Posted in FML issue 1320]