From:
dr_bruce_williams
Date: 2002-03-12 20:16:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Distemper shots
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "maevemoped" <angela@o...> wrote:
> I live in England and my ferrets are vaccinated against distemper
> using a dog distemper vaccine called Nobivac-D (no ferret vaccine
in
> UK). They currently have been vaccinated once a year and each
ferret
> gets a whole vial.
>
> However, there has been some discussion that they would be fine
with
> only half a vial each and now there are suggestions that they will
be
> fine having vaccinations every other year rather than annually.
>
> Can someone clear this up for me.
Dear Angela:
Actually, we can't clear it up, as there is no data on the extra-
label use of multivalent canine vaccines in ferrets.
I can comment on the duration of immunity following distermper in
dogs, where there is data (but of course, ferrets are not dogs).
Recent studies show that after the first adult booster, dogs are
protected up to 5 years, and possibly 7 against distemper. This is
likely where your discussion started - being extrapolated from other
species.
However, we really don't know if it works the same way in the
ferret. While intuitively I think that it might, and that half a
vial is probably enough, you'll still be out there on your own, as I
can't really guarantee it.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, dVM