April 29, 2009, Fort Lee, N.J. ­­­- Don’t let nasty parasites prevent you from enjoying the outdoors with the family dog this summer. As the weather warms, pet owners need to protect their pets against parasites such as ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, sand flies, mites and lice that can transmit vector­borne diseases Vectra 3D® for Dogs is an advanced monthly topical vectoricide that goes beyond traditional flea and tick products.

Many might think these are just pesky bugs, but these common parasites and the diseases they may carry are putting more dogs at risk than ever. Vectra 3D® protects dogs in multiple ways against six common parasites — fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, sand flies, mites and lice. Any of these parasites may cause discomfort in the form of scratching and irritation, and may transmit diseases to dogs, some quite serious or even fatal. The incidence of these parasites and vector­borne diseases is on the rise throughout the United States. Suburban sprawl and increased deer populations continue to spread vector­borne diseases that could be transmitted to pets and humans, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and bartonellosis.

According to Denise Kobuszewski, DVM, Summit VetPharm Veterinary Services Manager, “Our family dog is an important member of the family. As our companions, they accompany us not only on the daily jog, walk or hike, but also on vacations where their exposure to tick­borne diseases is increasing. It is important to provide the best monthly protection for our dogs, as well as annual screenings for tick­borne diseases.”

Vectra 3D® features a triple­action formula that provides quick killing of fleas in 2 hours and is proven to kill adult fleas within 6 hours, while controlling all immature stages of the flea life cycle (eggs, larvae, pupae). Vectra 3D repels and kills ticks, including those that transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever; repels and kills mosquitoes, including those that transmit West Nile virus; and repels and kills sand flies, lice and mites that may cause leishmaniasis, severe dermatitis, and ‘walking’ dandruff. When applied monthly to dogs, the Vectra 3D® quick­drying formula keeps on working, even after bathing or swimming.

“Fleas can be difficult to control because the majority of the flea life stages, approximately 95 percent, thrive as eggs, larvae and pupae,” according to Professor Byron Blagburn, PhD, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University. “The combination of a flea adulticide with an insect growth regulator (IGR) that controls immature flea stages is a real advantage, because it works more effectively, with less resistance. Year­round protection is advised.”

Anemia, flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), skin infections, bartonellosis, tapeworm and tularemia are just some of the diseases associated with fleas. Fleas multiply rapidly, and can survive in pet beds, carpets, floors, furniture, closets and other dark corners of a home. Just one female flea can lay 20­50 eggs a day, which can add up to thousands and a full­blown environmental infestation.Vectra® vectoricides protect pets and helps keep households free from parasites and the diseases they may carry. Available only through licensed veterinarians, Vectra® products feature a patented applicator design that makes topical application easy, clean and accurate. This one­step applicator allows pet owners to easily get through the pet’s fur and ensures the product is properly administered on the skin.

This summer pet owners are encouraged to ask their veterinarian for Vectra 3D® and feel confident that they are giving their pet protection against a broad range of parasites. Vectra 3D® is available in four dose sizes for dogs and puppies over 7 weeks of age and ranging in weight from 2.5 lbs to over 95 lbs.

For more information, ask your veterinarian about Vectra 3D®, or visit www.vectrapet.com for more details about the entire family of Vectra® vectoricides.

About Ceva Animal Health: Ceva’s key companion animal products include the Vectra® line of parasiticides, D.A.P.® and Feliway® pheromone behavior aids and Senilife® neuroprotection for aging pets.  Ceva Biomune’s key poultry products include CEVAC® Transmune IBD, Vectormune® FP and Vectormune® HVT.  Ceva Biomune Campus and the North America Zone headquarters are both located in Lenexa, Kansas.  Visit www.ceva.us.

About Ceva Santé Animale: Ceva’s parent company is a global veterinary health company focused on the research, development, production and marketing of pharmaceutical products and vaccines for pets, livestock, swine and poultry.  Its headquarters is in Libourne, France. Visit www.ceva.com.

For more information, please contact Carolyn Gilliland at carolyn.gilliland[at]ceva.com or 913.945.4448.

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