OVERLAND PARK, Kan., March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent outbreak of
Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) in Florida is a strong reminder to
horse owners throughout the country to vaccinate their horses against this
and other dangerous mosquito-borne diseases. To ensure your horse receives
the most complete protection, Fort Dodge Animal Health offers West Nile-
Innovator(R)+EWT -- "The Mosquito Shot," the only vaccine that protects
against West Nile virus, EEE and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis, plus
tetanus, in one convenient vaccine.
This year has already seen the death of five Florida horses diagnosed
with EEE, which has a mortality rate in horses of 75 to 90 percent.
According to the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners Web site, "If
the wet weather (in Florida) persists, 2008 could see a significant number
of cases, such as occurred in 2003, when 207 cases of EEE were confirmed
(in Florida)."
Florida, however, is only one of the many areas of the country that
will likely see horses infected with mosquito-borne illnesses. EEE was
diagnosed in 199 horses throughout the country in 2007 and West Nile virus,
which also remains a serious threat to horses, was reported in 488 horses
in 33 states, including both coasts.
"There's been a reduction in veterinary vaccination in horses against
mosquito-borne diseases and whenever that occurs, you can expect to see a
resurgence of disease because part of the horse population is not
protected," says Tom Lenz, DVM, Vice President of Professional Services at
Fort Dodge Animal Health. "Even though they may not currently be headlining
the news, it is more important than ever people vaccinate their horses
against West Nile virus and Eastern and Western Encephalomyelitis."
The American Association of Equine Practitioners recognizes the
importance of vaccination against these mosquito-borne illnesses, and has
identified West Nile virus, EEE and WEE among five diseases in a "core
vaccination protocol" for adult horses. Also included were tetanus and
rabies. Fort Dodge's Mosquito Shot is the only product on the market that
protects against four of the five core diseases in one vaccine.
For previously vaccinated horses, the Mosquito Shot is labeled for a
single dose annually and is best administered in the spring. Horses that
have never been vaccinated against West Nile virus must receive two doses,
three to six weeks apart.
Three convenient combinations -- West Nile-Innovator(R)+EW, West Nile-
Innovator(R)+EWT and West Nile-Innovator(R)+VEWT -- make it easy to
customize protection for every patient. As with all vaccine protocols,
horse owners should consult with their veterinarian to evaluate threat
levels in their area and determine their horse's current vaccination status
to ensure they will have maximum protection.
Fort Dodge Animal Health is a leading global manufacturer of animal
health products for the equine, livestock, companion animal, swine and
poultry industries. Key equine products include West Nile-Innovator and
Innovator(R) combination vaccines, Fluvac Innovator(R) vaccines, and
QUEST(R) and QUEST(R) Plus Gel.
SOURCE Fort Dodge Animal Health
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Related links:
http://www.Americashealthyhorse.com
http://www.aaep.org
CONTACT:
Kelly Goss, PR/Communications,
+1-913-664-7276, Office, or +1-913-375-4434, Cell,
gossk@fdah.com, for Fort Dodge Animal Health
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