Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2012 3:02:30 GMT -5
The results of a vaccine study done by Dr. Wagner have been published. PDF is attached.
Abstract
Serum-Neutralizing Antibody Responses to Canine Distemper Virus Vaccines in Domestic Ferrets
One-hundred-fifty pet ferrets, 16 weeks to 8 years of age, were evaluated for the presence of serumneutralizing
(SN) antibody titers against canine distemper virus (CDV) vaccine. All ferrets received an
initial vaccine at the source of origin some time before 9 weeks of age, and one or more commercially
available CDV vaccines beginning at 14 to 16 weeks of age. SN antibody titers were measured at 1, 2, 3,
and 3 years after each ferret received their last CDV vaccination. Ferrets with titers 1:50 were
revaccinated and antibody titers were measured at 4 weeks after vaccination to determine seroconversion
to 1:50 SN titers. Ninety percent (135/150) of the ferrets had titers in excess of 1:50. Ten percent
(15/150) of the ferrets had titers 1:50, and revaccination of ferrets with 1:50 SN titers increased
anti-CDV SN titers to 1:50 in 40% (6/15) of these ferrets. Age, sex, time since last vaccination, and
vaccine brand did not significantly influence the differences in anti-CDV antibody titers. Our results
suggest that ferrets maintain SN antibody titers of 1:50 against CDV for 3 years after being vaccinated
at 14 to 16 weeks of age or older, and there is no significant difference in the ability of 3 brands of CDV
vaccine to elicit anti-CDV SN titers.
This is such amazing news! 90% of ferrets had protective levels of antibodies 3 years later after only the initial distemper vaccine from Marshalls and a booster at 14-16 weeks old. Of the 10% that didn't (15 ferrets), 9 of them would be termed non-responders (I think) as they didn't respond to revaccination either. So that only leaves 6 of 150 ferrets that did not have protective levels of antibodies after 3 years. I wonder if these ferrets still had maternal antibodies that cancelled out some of the effects of the vaccine, because they did respond after revaccination. If so, vaccinating at a later age would alleviate that concern. They used 3 different vaccines and found no statistical difference between any of them in the level of protection.
There also has never been a challenge study to determine what levels are actually needed to be protective, so the values could be much higher than necessary (or the reverse).
I've attached the article in case anyone wants to print it out and carry it to their vet (or you want to read it yourself).
Abstract
Serum-Neutralizing Antibody Responses to Canine Distemper Virus Vaccines in Domestic Ferrets
One-hundred-fifty pet ferrets, 16 weeks to 8 years of age, were evaluated for the presence of serumneutralizing
(SN) antibody titers against canine distemper virus (CDV) vaccine. All ferrets received an
initial vaccine at the source of origin some time before 9 weeks of age, and one or more commercially
available CDV vaccines beginning at 14 to 16 weeks of age. SN antibody titers were measured at 1, 2, 3,
and 3 years after each ferret received their last CDV vaccination. Ferrets with titers 1:50 were
revaccinated and antibody titers were measured at 4 weeks after vaccination to determine seroconversion
to 1:50 SN titers. Ninety percent (135/150) of the ferrets had titers in excess of 1:50. Ten percent
(15/150) of the ferrets had titers 1:50, and revaccination of ferrets with 1:50 SN titers increased
anti-CDV SN titers to 1:50 in 40% (6/15) of these ferrets. Age, sex, time since last vaccination, and
vaccine brand did not significantly influence the differences in anti-CDV antibody titers. Our results
suggest that ferrets maintain SN antibody titers of 1:50 against CDV for 3 years after being vaccinated
at 14 to 16 weeks of age or older, and there is no significant difference in the ability of 3 brands of CDV
vaccine to elicit anti-CDV SN titers.
This is such amazing news! 90% of ferrets had protective levels of antibodies 3 years later after only the initial distemper vaccine from Marshalls and a booster at 14-16 weeks old. Of the 10% that didn't (15 ferrets), 9 of them would be termed non-responders (I think) as they didn't respond to revaccination either. So that only leaves 6 of 150 ferrets that did not have protective levels of antibodies after 3 years. I wonder if these ferrets still had maternal antibodies that cancelled out some of the effects of the vaccine, because they did respond after revaccination. If so, vaccinating at a later age would alleviate that concern. They used 3 different vaccines and found no statistical difference between any of them in the level of protection.
There also has never been a challenge study to determine what levels are actually needed to be protective, so the values could be much higher than necessary (or the reverse).
I've attached the article in case anyone wants to print it out and carry it to their vet (or you want to read it yourself).