Merial Introduces First Equine Combination Vaccine Using Advanced Vaccine Technology

New RECOMBITEKR rWNV-EWT helps protect against four diseases

For the first time, horse owners can use a combination vaccine with advanced technology to help protect their horses against West Nile Virus (WNV) – RECOMBITEKR rWNV-EWT is now available to provide convenient protection against WNV, Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) virus, Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (WEE) virus and tetanus.1

“When RECOMBITEK West Nile Virus vaccine was introduced in 2004, it offered horse owners the first advanced vaccine technology available,” says April Knudson, DVM, manager, Merial Veterinary Services. “Now, Merial is again helping move the science of vaccination forward with the first combination equine vaccine that incorporates recombinant technology.”

WNV, EEE, WEE and tetanus are diseases considered part of the core vaccinations for all horses by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).2 For previously vaccinated horses, RECOMBITEK rWNV-EWT requires only one dose each year and is safe for use in horses as young as 4 months old.1,* With an additional vaccination for rabies, horses can receive all core vaccinations.2

“Diseases like WNV, EEE, WEE and tetanus are all potentially fatal, and a combination vaccination is a simple, cost-effective way to help protect horses,” Dr. Knudson adds.3,4,5,6

WNV has been identified in all areas of the United States and horses represent more than 95 percent of all non-human cases in mammals.3 EEE and WEE are two of the most common causes of equine encephalitis, most often known as sleeping sickness.7 Vaccination for EEE or WEE is critical, as it is impossible to completely eliminate risk of exposure.5 In the case of tetanus, puncture wounds contaminated by everyday manure, dirt or rust are particularly likely to cause the disease, which is fatal in at least 50 percent of cases.8

“It costs so little to vaccinate your horse when compared with the potentially devastating effects of these diseases,” Dr. Knudson says. “Even if horses survive WNV or EEE, it can cost thousands of dollars in supportive care and horses may still feel the effects for the rest of their lives. Now, horse owners can use a convenient combination vaccine with advanced technology to help ensure their horses don’t suffer from these diseases.”3,9

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 5,700 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2008 sales were over $2.6 billion. Merial Limited is a separate subsidiary of sanofi-aventis. For more information, please see www.merial.com.