We received an email about this vaccine in December and after having dealt with CD in our shelter this summer I contacted Dr. Jerry Butler, DVM for his perspective as he was of such invaluable support during our outbreak. With his permission to share his insights, here is what he said about it: "Yes I have heard about this vaccine. The company that makes it only did a very small safety study in ferrets. It did not have any safety problems. However no testing was done to see if it actually works in ferrets. I talked to Dr Hall, the technical services manager for Schering Plough (now Merck), which made Galaxy D. She said that ferrets actually need a higher amount of the distemper antigen in the vaccine than dogs do to get a protective response from the vaccine. Thus she did not recommend Mercks new dog distemper vaccine line. This distemper vaccine may have that same problem (ie not enough distemper antigen to work in ferrets). Thus untill there is a study in ferrets showing that it actually works, I would not use it. Hope that helps, Jerry" He continues to recommend Purevax and that is what FACT is now using. We have only experienced a couple of very mild reactions (vomiting primarily) and no serious reactions. Yes it is cheaper, and yes, you can order directly without going though a vet, but is it worth the risk of not being effective? My take? We buy our ferrets only the best in food, numerous toys, lovely bedding, why skimp on their health? If you have a large group of ferrets - ether as an owner, breeder or shelter, - you can negotiate with your vet (or any new vet looking to develop a clientele) to vaccinate enmass for a reduced rate. Not everyone will have luxury of having many vets to choose from, but remember, they are business people as well. Remember, deal with the owner/s of the practice. Few staff vets have much authority to negotiate price. If you are a shelter or breeder, remember too you have the advantage of recommending a practice and sending them new clients so you do have something to offer in return. [Posted in FML 7311]