With confirmed cases of West Nile virus (WNV) already recorded in mosquitoes, birds and humans in 28 states from coast to coast this year,¹ and the first equine cases reported in Nevada and California,^2,3 horse owners should be proactive in managing their horses’ health care. The most effective way to help protect against WNV and other life-threatening diseases is to vaccinate.
 
Merial’s RECOMBITEK^®rWNV-EWT vaccine is fast-acting, helping provide immunity against WNV in just 26 days⁴ after the initial dose with full protection provided 14 days after the primary two-dose series.⁵ The vaccine also helps protect against Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) and tetanus⁶ and is safe for horses as young as four months of age.⁶
 
“Some horse owners have gotten complacent because they believe that West Nile virus is no longer a threat,” says April Knudson, DVM, equine specialist for Merial’s Large Animal Veterinary Services. “We know 125 equine cases were reported last year,⁷ and based on confirmed reports this year, there are already a significant number of WNV cases in mosquito and bird populations.¹
 
“Horse owners who have not yet vaccinated for WNV should not wait until the disease is seen in horses. They need to vaccinate now and should ask their veterinarians about choosing a vaccine such as RECOMBITEK, which provides rapid onset of immunity,⁶ since the season has already started.”
 
Although it’s best to vaccinate horses before disease threats emerge, it isn’t too late for horses that are behind on their vaccinations.  “To help ensure the health of their horses, owners should consult with their veterinarians about how to safely and effectively get their horse back on a preventive care program,” says Dr. Knudson.
 
Another prevention tool now available to horse owners is Merial’s “Outbreak Alert” program, used to notify horse owners about reports of equine disease throughout the country and build a greater awareness of disease and the importance of prevention. Along with confirmed reports of WNV, the program also monitors rabies, equine influenza, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE), Potomac horse fever (PHF) and Equine herpesvirus (EHV).
 
Horse owners and veterinarians can sign up to receive free alerts via the program’s website, www.outbreak-alert.com. Then, once a disease report is confirmed, those who live within a 250-mile radius will receive a text or e-mail message to alert them of the potential threat in their area. Owners who travel with their horses and want to stay abreast of disease threats in other parts of the country can enter multiple ZIP codes. To sign up, go to www.outbreak-alert.com and click on the “Register” button in the top right corner.
 
“Owners want the best for their horses,” says Dr. Knudson. “Veterinarians are the best source for quality vaccines and vaccine information. Horse owners that have yet to vaccinate or are behind in their vaccination schedule should consult with their veterinarians as soon as possible to evaluate potential disease threats, assess the level of disease risk and discuss potential travel plans. Communicating about these issues will help a horse owner and veterinarian develop a vaccination program that addresses the specific needs of a horse.”
 
To sign up for the free Outbreak Alert program or for more information about equine diseases, visit www.outbreak-alert.com.
 
About RECOMBITEK
 
RECOMBITEK Equine WNV vaccines are made with a technology that allows the vaccine to stimulate a fast, strong immune response in your horse. RECOMBITEK rWNV-EWT is the only combination vaccine that uses advanced technology to help provide convenient protection against West Nile virus, while also helping to protect against Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) and tetanus.
 
About Merial
 
Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 5,600 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2010 sales were more than $2.6 billion. Merial is a Sanofi company.
 
For more information, please see www.merial.com.
 
¹ Disease maps page. United States Geological Survey Web site. Available at: http://diseasemaps.usgs.gov/. Accessed August 4, 2011.
² The Associated Press. State Confirms Equine case of West Nile virus. Las Vegas Sun August 12, 2011. Available at: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/aug/12/nv-west-nile-virus-horses/. Accessed August 12, 2011.
³ Los Angeles County Public Health Department Web site. Available at:  http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/VectorWestNile.htm. Accessed August 12, 2011.
⁴ Siger L. Assessment of the efficacy of a single dose of a recombinant vaccine against West Nile virus in response to natural challenge. AJVR 2004:65(11);1459-1462.
⁵ Siger L. Bowen R., et al. Evaluation of the efficacy provided by a recombinant canarypox-vectored equine West Nile virus vaccine against an experimental West Nile virus intrathecal challenge in horses. Veterinary Therapeutics. 2006:7(3):249-256.
⁶ RECOMBITEK r-WNV label.
⁷ National Surveillance Unit page. United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Web site. 2010 Summary of West Nile Virus Cases in the United States. May, 2011. Available at:  http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/wnv/2010_equine_west_nile_virus_final.pdf.  Accessed August 4, 2011.
 
®RECOMBITEK is a registered trademark of Merial Limited. ©2011 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. EQUIBGN1131 (08/11)

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