To Cindy Sooy - You are correct - Galaxy D uses a mammalian cell line for the amplification phase - where previously a chick embryo cell line was used. Early on, because of the exquisite sensitivity of ferrets to distemper and the fact that this appears to be one step closer to having a mammalian-adapted virus being loosed in ferrets. (Remember, Galaxy-D is not intended to be used in ferrets, but dogs, which are not quite so susceptible.) Well, several months later - I have not yet heard of any cases of ferrets coming down with distemper from Galaxy-D, so I suppose we are okay here. We were rightfully prudent at first considering the magnitude of change of the vaccine, but we can all probably breathe a bit easier. don't think that Galaxy D is without reactions, though - it seems that there is no perfectly safe vaccine available for any ferret diseases - no matter what vaccine we are using, we still have to be cognizant of the possibility of a vaccine reaction... Bruce Williams, DVM [log in to unmask] OR [log in to unmask] Bruce Williams, DVM, DACVP Department of Veterinary Pathology [log in to unmask] Armed Forces Institute of Pathology [log in to unmask] Washington, D.C. 20306-6000 (202) 782-2600/2602 [Posted in FML issue 1193]