29 September 2009
Boxmeer (the Netherlands)
BOXMEER (the Netherlands), September 29, 2009 — Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health today announces that it has completed the first wave of market introductions of VECTIN® (ivermectin chewable tablets), a new broad spectrum horse dewormer that is formulated as a tasteful cookie. This innovative formulation combines high effectiveness in treating worm infections in the horse with easy administration.
Most deworming preparations for horses are available as an oral paste in a syringe. However, difficult syringe handling, often not optimized taste and the tendency of some horses to spit out part of the paste all constitute drawbacks of paste formulations, resulting in underdosing that can lead to development of parasite resistance. Moreover, a 2008 survey* has shown that paste administration difficulties contribute to frustration, anxiety and stress among owners when deworming their horses.
Such administration issues have now been addressed with VECTIN® chewable cookies that are flavored with apple and molasses for increased acceptability. Most horses will take the cookies from the hand, but they also can be crumbled in the feed for further enhancement of acceptability. Field trials carried out in the USA and Europe for the licensing of VECTIN® have shown acceptability of over 70 percent across all ages and across many breeds of horses as well as different husbandry conditions.
“With the introduction of VECTIN® in the first markets we can offer another improved product that makes horse deworming an easy, effective and pleasant activity for both owners and horses”, said Hubert Trentesaux, Head Global Companion Animal at Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health.
VECTIN® has recently been introduced in Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, whereas market launch is ongoing in Sweden. More introductions are planned in European countries and elsewhere in the period to come.
VECTIN® is a trademark owned by Intervet International B.V. This press release contains information on veterinary products based on international registration dossiers and may refer to products that are either not available in your country or are marketed under a different trade name. In addition, the safety and efficacy data for a specific product may be different depending on local regulations. For more information, read the product labeling that applies to your country or contact your local Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health representative.
