Purevax Ferret Distemper (rDistemper), 1 dose x 10

Non-Adjuvanted Distemper Protection for Ferrets

Product Description

PureVax Ferret Distemper Vaccine is a non-adjuvanted, recombinant vaccine that protects ferrets against canine distemper. Using recombinant canarypox vector technology, it delivers a strong immune response with fewer vaccine-associated reactions. Veterinarian-recommended and USDA-approved, PureVax helps minimize inflammation compared with adjuvanted vaccines – ideal for long-term prevention and peace of mind for ferret owners.

Benefits

• Protects Against Canine Distemper Virus (CDV): Prevents a highly contagious viral disease with a nearly 100% mortality rate in unvaccinated ferrets, affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
• Non-Adjuvanted Formula: Eliminates adjuvants that cause long-term inflammation, significantly reducing the risk of vaccine-associated sarcomas, post-vaccinal encephalitis, and immunosuppression.
• Recombinant Technology: Uses canarypox vector expressing distemper antigens with zero risk of vaccine virus replication in the ferret's body, preventing vaccine-induced disease.
• Safe & Effective Immunization: Generates both humoral and cell-mediated immunity simulating natural exposure for comprehensive protection without whole virus or harmful chemicals.
• Veterinarian-Recommended: The only distemper vaccine specifically approved and labeled for ferrets in the United States.
• Essential for Ferret Wellness: Core vaccine for all pet ferrets regardless of indoor/outdoor status, as distemper transmits indirectly through contaminated objects and clothing.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Recombinant canarypox virus expressing hemagglutinin and fusion proteins of canine distemper virus.
• Preservative: Gentamicin sulfate.
• Other Components: Lyophilized vaccine requiring reconstitution with accompanying sterile diluent. No eggs, antibiotics, or adjuvants.

Guaranteed Analysis

Each 1 mL dose contains recombinant distemper virus antigen at viral titers sufficient for seroconversion and protective immunity in healthy ferrets eight weeks of age or older.

How to Use

PureVax Ferret Distemper Vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. The lyophilized vaccine requires aseptic reconstitution before subcutaneous injection. Maintain strict sterile technique throughout preparation and administration to prevent bacterial contamination and ensure vaccine efficacy.

Recommended-Dosage Chart

Disclaimer: This dosage information is provided by the manufacturer. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any vaccine for your pet.

Additional Information

Precautions

• Do not use in pregnant ferrets as safety has not been established. Use only in healthy ferrets eight weeks or older. 
• Administer distemper and rabies vaccines on separate days to minimize reaction risk and identify the causative agent if reactions occur. 
• Do not mix the vaccine with other products except as specified on the label. 
• Do not use chemicals to sterilize syringes and needles; use autoclaving only. 

Possible Side Effects

• Common/Minor Side Effects: Transient lethargy, injection site swelling, mild pain at the injection site, low-grade fever, and temporary inappetence occur in approximately 5-10% of vaccinated ferrets and resolve within 24-48 hours without treatment.
• Uncommon/Serious Side Effects: Anaphylactic reactions occur in less than 1% of ferrets, typically within 5-25 minutes of administration. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, generalized hyperemia, facial edema, hypersalivation, respiratory difficulty, collapse, and potential death. Immediate veterinary treatment with epinephrine, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and supportive fluids is critical.
• Rare Events: Post-vaccinal encephalitis (neurological signs), immune-mediated reactions, and chronic inflammatory responses are extremely rare with non-adjuvanted PureVax compared to traditional adjuvanted vaccines.
• Management: Ferrets should be observed for 30 minutes post-vaccination. Ferrets with previous vaccine reactions may receive antihistamine pretreatment (diphenhydramine) 15-20 minutes before revaccination to reduce reaction severity.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, priority, and international delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Express Shipping Required: This vaccine requires express delivery Monday-Wednesday only due to its temperature-sensitive, perishable nature. Signature required upon delivery. Cannot ship to PO boxes or outside the continental United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What disease does PureVax Ferret Distemper Vaccine prevent?

Ans: PureVax protects against canine distemper virus (CDV), a highly contagious and nearly always fatal viral disease affecting ferrets' respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, with high mortality in unvaccinated animals and potential neurological complications in survivors.

Q2: How is PureVax safer than traditional ferret distemper vaccines?

Ans: PureVax uses non-adjuvanted recombinant canarypox technology rather than whole virus or chemical adjuvants, significantly reducing inflammatory reactions, vaccine-associated sarcomas, post-vaccinal encephalitis, immunosuppression, and chronic complications while maintaining strong protective immunity.

Q3: What is the recommended vaccination schedule for ferrets?

Ans: Kits receive initial vaccination at eight weeks, followed by boosters at eleven and fourteen weeks. Adult ferrets without vaccination history need two doses three weeks apart. All ferrets require annual revaccination to maintain protective immunity throughout their lives.

Q4: Why should my indoor ferret be vaccinated against distemper?

Ans: Canine distemper virus is highly contagious and transmits indirectly through contaminated clothing, shoes, and hands after contact with infected animals. The disease has a seven to ten-day incubation and nearly 100% mortality in unvaccinated ferrets regardless of exposure.

Q5: What are the signs of a vaccine reaction?

Ans: Common mild reactions include temporary lethargy and injection site swelling. Serious anaphylactic reactions occur within 5-25 minutes and include vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, hypersalivation, breathing difficulty, and collapse requiring immediate epinephrine and veterinary emergency intervention.

Q6: Can ferrets receive distemper and rabies vaccines together?

Ans: No, veterinarians strongly recommend administering distemper and rabies vaccines on separate days to minimize adverse reaction risk and identify which vaccine caused any potential reaction for proper reporting and future prevention strategies.

Q7: How should the PureVax vaccine be stored and prepared?

Ans: Store refrigerated at 2-8°C until use. Aseptically reconstitute the lyophilized vaccine with the accompanying 1 mL sterile diluent, gently agitate until dissolved, and administer the entire contents immediately. Do not store the reconstituted vaccine, as potency rapidly decreases after reconstitution.

Q8: What should I do if my ferret has a vaccine reaction?

Ans: Remain at the veterinary clinic for at least 30 minutes post-vaccination. If anaphylaxis occurs, immediate treatment with epinephrine, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and supportive fluids is critical. Ferrets with previous reactions may receive antihistamine pretreatment before future vaccinations.