Safety of and serological response to a new canine distemper-parvovirus combination vaccine in domestic ferrets.

BACKGROUND: Pet ferrets are typically vaccinated against distemper using a canine multivalent vaccine despite the lack of relevant safety or efficacy data. Here, we investigate the safety of a novel live canine parvovirus type 2c (CPV-2c) vaccine strain and the efficacy of the live Onderstepoort canine distemper virus (CDV) vaccine strain used in a new bivalent vaccine. METHODS: Following an overdose of the CPV-2c component to 16 ferrets, blood, faeces and various tissues were tested to investigate viral dissemination and shedding. Serum antibody concentrations were also measured. Long-term serology of the CDV component was assessed in five ferrets vaccinated twice with a field dose of vaccine. Three of the ferrets were given a booster dose of the same vaccine after 1 year. RESULTS: Despite responding serologically to the CPV-2c component, there was no evidence of any dissemination or shedding of the virus. A strong CDV antibody response was seen, which remained above protective levels for 2 years irrespective of whether the animals received a booster. LIMITATIONS: Although the CDV serology results were consistent, these were from a small number of animals. CONCLUSIONS: This CPV-2c vaccine strain appears unlikely to disseminate or be shed following administration in ferrets. Vaccination with the combined CDV‒CPV vaccine should protect ferrets against distemper for at least 2 years.