First and Only Three-Year Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus Vaccine Now Available to Pet Owners through Veterinarians

MILLSBORO, Del., June 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Lovers of the nation's 65 million dogs now have a new, convenient and safe option to vaccinate their canine companions less frequently and protect them longer against three of the most common and deadly canine diseases: distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus. Intervet Inc., the world's leading manufacturer of animal health vaccines, announced today the availability of Continuum(TM) DAP, the first and only U.S. government-approved vaccine that can be safely given to dogs once every three years instead of annually to protect against these three prevalent diseases. Until now, there have been no vaccines available in the United States (except rabies) approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for use at three-year intervals. Other available vaccines that protect against these viruses are only approved for yearly administration.

"Continuum DAP is a milestone advancement in medicine for dogs," said Sebastien Huron, DVM, Director, Companion Animal Business Unit, Intervet Inc. "Canine distemper is the biggest single threat to dogs in this country. It proves deadly in 80 percent of puppies diagnosed with the disease. Hepatitis and parvovirus can also kill. But for the first time, we now have the evidence to show that annual vaccination against these three viruses is unnecessary, and further, we have a vaccine that's been proven to protect dogs for the full 36-month period. So it is easier than ever before for pet owners to protect their dogs," said Dr. Huron.

Vaccination against distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus is considered essential and routine for all dogs in order to protect them against severe disease and even an untimely death. Administering a DAP vaccine once every three years, versus annually, conforms to current vaccination guidelines issued by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and recommendations of the nation's leading veterinary schools.

"Less frequent vaccination is simply better medicine - more convenient for pet owners and more comfortable and safe for dogs. With Continuum DAP, dog owners can feel confident that their pets are staying completely protected over three years with fewer shots," said Dr. Huron.

Better Medicine to Keep Your Dog Healthy

Keeping dogs up-to-date on routine and recommended vaccinations is one of the best ways to keep them healthy. But vaccinations, while they protect against disease, can cause discomfort and adverse reactions in some dogs.

"There is always a small risk of an allergic reaction and therefore, whether it is people or animals, it is best not to give a vaccine that is unnecessary," said Dr. Ernest Ward, an expert in veterinary medicine and owner of Seaside Animal Care in Calabash, North Carolina.

"Alex is very much part of our family," said Dian Robbins. "I routinely take him to our veterinarian to make sure he stays healthy. But I don't want him to be uncomfortable and prefer to limit the number of shots he receives. So I am very pleased to learn about this new option available through my veterinarian."

Ms. Robbins expressed trust in Continuum DAP. "Knowing that this new product is proven to be safe and effective, government approved and veterinary recommended gives me a great deal of confidence that I am providing the best possible care for my beloved Alex," said Ms. Robbins.

Customized Care for Pets

Differences exist among dogs with regard to age, health status, home and travel environment, lifestyle and related disease risks, as well as between individual vaccines. According to Karen Duncan, DVM, Intervet Inc., many veterinarians today believe the best approach is to tailor vaccination to the specific needs of the dog rather than to a routine protocol. "Continuum DAP's three-year dosing schedule supports customized vaccination programs for individual dogs. Of course, the use of fewer vaccines decreases the risk of any potential side effects," said Dr. Duncan.

Dr. Duncan further noted that the use of Continuum DAP can fit nicely into pet owners' ongoing healthcare routines. "It is very important for owners to take their pets to the veterinarian for customized vaccination programs, regular exams and wellness visits," said Dr. Duncan. "Dogs with serious diseases often appear healthy, and regular health evaluations can facilitate early detection. Additionally, dental care, proper nutrition, appropriate diagnostic testing and the control of parasites and other diseases can be addressed during the veterinary visit. Puppies and geriatric dogs should be examined more frequently," said Dr. Duncan.

Changing the Standard of Care

"We are proud to bring this innovation to the U.S. market. It represents yet another milestone for Intervet," said Dr. Huron. "The availability of Continuum DAP ushers in a new standard of care regarding vaccinations considered essential for all dogs. Furthermore, it will dramatically change how pet owners and veterinarians manage a dog's overall healthcare needs."

Proven Efficacy of Continuum DAP

Continuum DAP has been proven to protect dogs using USDA testing methodologies considered to be the gold standard for evaluating vaccine safety, purity and efficacy. In a landmark study conducted by Intervet Inc., researchers evaluated the efficacy of Continuum DAP by studying dogs that were exposed to distemper, hepatitis or parvovirus three years following initial vaccination. Infections were prevented in all of the vaccinated dogs. By contrast, signs of disease were seen in all unvaccinated dogs.

About Continuum DAP

Continuum DAP may be used in dogs as young as six weeks of age. Booster injections are indicated every three to four weeks until the dog reaches 12 weeks of age. Unvaccinated dogs older than 12 weeks should receive two doses, administered three to four weeks apart. Revaccination with a single dose is recommended every three years after that.

Extensive safety testing has shown that Intervet's patented CPV STRAIN 154(R) and the distemper component of Continuum DAP are safe when given to puppies as young as four weeks of age.

Continuum DAP is now available to pet owners in the U.S. through veterinarians.

For more information about Continuum DAP, ask your veterinarian or visit http://www.continuumforpets.com/.

About Intervet Inc.

Intervet Inc. is an affiliate of Intervet International BV, one of the world's leading animal health companies and currently ranked third among global animal health suppliers. The company is a leader in research and is dedicated to the development, production and marketing of innovative, high- quality animal-health products and feed additives. Intervet's product range includes vaccines for use in livestock, companion animals, poultry and fish; anti-parasitics; anti-infectives; endocrine products for regulation and improvement of breeding performance; feed additives; and productivity enhancers. Intervet International employs more than 5,000 personnel and maintains a global distribution network in 120 countries.

Intervet also produces Vetsulin(R) (porcine insulin zinc suspension), the first and only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved insulin available in the United States for veterinary use.

Continuum(TM) is a trademark and Vetsulin(R) is a registered trademark of Intervet Inc.

Source: Intervet Inc.

CONTACT: Mike Beyer of Sam Brown, +1-312-961-2502, beyer@sambrown.com,
for Intervet

Web site: http://www.continuumforpets.com/

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