Distemper in Ferrets
By Heather Wilson, DVM

Canine Distemper Virus is 100% fatal in ferrets, therefore, if it is diagnosed the ferret should be humanely euthanized.  The incubation period can be from 7-21 days.  The initial clinical signs include conjunctivitis and fever (which can mimic influenza) and progresses to a copious mucopurulent ocular-nasal discharge, anorexia and high fever.  Pathognomonic signs in the ferret include hyperkeratotic foot pads, and hyperemia and crusting of the chin.  Diagnosis is based on clinical signs.  A fluorescent antibody test can be performed on blood smears and conjunctival scrapings, but false negatives can occur.

The only two licensed distemper vaccines available for use in ferrets are Fer-vacD by United Pharmaceutical Co., and Purevax by Merial. Fervac is a modified live vaccine and Purvax is a plasmid mediated vaccine. They are administered SQ at 6,9, and 12 weeks; booster annually.

Avian cell culture Distemper vaccines, like Fervac-D, do not induce Distemper disease in the ferret.  Other vaccines can. Distemper vaccines for use in dogs are derived from canine cell culture and in the ferret this vaccine strain can revert to a virulent form and induce distemper disease in the ferret.  Therefore, do not use canine cell culture Distemper vaccines in ferrets.  Also ferrets do not get other canine or feline diseases, such as Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Feline viral rhinopneumonitis, Calicivirus, and therefore do not need to be and should not be vaccinated with other dog and cat vaccines.  Canine and feline vaccines may cause anaphylactic reactions.

Several years ago, before Fer-VacD was available, Fromm-D was commonly used.  It was also of avian cell culture origin, made for use in dogs.  It was not licensed for use in ferrets. Solvay, the manufacturer, discontinued Fromm-D a few years ago and now sells a product called Galaxy-D; a Distemper vaccine made for dogs, not licensed for ferrets.  Galaxy-D is of simian (primate) cell culture and has been commonly used over the past few years.  Simian cell culture vaccines in general have been known to induce anaphylactic reactions.

Any vaccine can occasionally cause anaphylactic reactions.  However, the reported incidence of this appears to be much lower with Purevax.  I prepare for a reaction, and I warn the client of possible complications, including death.  I also explain the importance of receiving the vaccine since Distemper is 100% fatal in ferrets.  Therefore watch the ferret for at least 20 minutes after the vaccine is given for signs of anaphylactic reaction such as hyperemia, swelling of the face and feet, dyspnea, or vomiting.

If anaphylactic reaction occurs, immediately give epinephrine and oxygen. In addition, dexamethasone SP and diphenhydramine may be given if needed.  If the reaction was severe, melena may occur and Barium or kaolin-pectolin may be given orally to coat the GI tract.  In severe cases, signs may recur when the drugs wear off so hospitalize and watch.

 If you note any reaction attributable to any vaccine please report it to the USDA/APHIS. They are accumulating data on the subject. Informing USDA/AFHIS of any reactions is the best way to induce a change in a vaccine if it is needed.

Excerpted from from http://www.vetsoftware.com/acvc2002-wilson1.htm.

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