When I first learned that Fromm D was being switched to Galaxy D, I, like Cindy, was told that the name was the only difference; nothing else had changed. When I learned there was a difference, I started doing some research on those differences. An avian cell line is used for Fromm D and and a simian (monkey) cell line is used for Galaxy D. Now that I found that out, I wanted to know what this meant. I began calling and talking to different veterinarians. Each had their own opinions concerning this vaccine. I finally reached a company called Schering. It distributes a canine distemper vaccine called disten-R-TC which is used for mink. I called their technical support line and was transferred to a Dr. Mike Schwartz. I must say, I was very impressed with his knowledge on the different canine distemper vaccines. He told me the history of the vaccines dating back to the 1950's. He knew about Fromm D and Fervac. Infact, United (the makers of Fervac) branched off from their company around 25 years ago. According to Dr. Schwartz, in no way can your ferret contract canine distemper from a simian cell line. There is a slight chance that simian cells carry some type of mammalian virus that could be harmful, but because of the continued titoring of the vaccine, the chance is almost nill. If your ferret received Galaxy D with no ill effects, I understand that he is immuned to canine distemper. I am dissapointed that those of us who bought Fromm D were not informed of the difference. I am also upset that some groups will only recognize Fervac as the lone canine distemper vaccine for ferrets. I like to have a choice. Maybe it won't be Galaxy D, but there are other vaccines out there that still use the avian cell line other than Fervac and are known to work on ferrets. Unfortunately, most companies do not see the profit in having their products past by the USDA. The market just is not there. The knowledge of their product's safety is there (Schering's vaccine has been used to vaccinate hundreds of thousands of ferrets with no ill effects. Of course this is Dr. Schwartz's statement. I have not received anything in writing.) All I know is that ferrets that have been vaccinated by Fervac have squealed in pain as the vaccine is administered. According to Dr. Schwartz, the only difference between vaccines from different companies (other than the use of a specific cell line) is what he calls the virus stabilizer. Each company makes its own. That is what really makes the vaccine unique to different companies. One way he recommended to reduce any stinging from the vaccine is to leave the diluent (the vial of liquid used to reconstitute the vaccine) at room temperature. The diluent is only sterile water or saline so it does not need to be refridgerated. I encourage anyone with questions to call Dr. Mike Schwartz at 1-800-932-0473. I hope this helps some. It helped me. Ellen Byrne and her little furballs. [Posted in FML issue 1052]