FIV vaccine ready; USDA oks new label claims

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved additionallabel claims for the recently licensed feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)vaccine from Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth. Upon reviewof data submitted by Fort Dodge Animal Health, the USDA has approved theFel-O-Vax® FIV vaccine for administration in cats 8 weeks of age andolder. Efficacy data from this second study shows protection in 84 percentof vaccinates against infection, while 90 percent of the controls becamepersistently infected. The new study continued to show the protection inducedby this inactivated vaccine lasts for a minimum of 12 months. Brent A. Standridge,senior vice president of sales and marketing for Fort Dodge, says a hostof educational materials will be available to practitioners, including reminders,brochures, postcards and various other materials to help educate clientsabout FIV. A national public relations campaign is also in the works tohelp educate pet owners about the disease and identifying at-risk cats."Ultimately, the veterinarian and pet owner have to make the evaluationon whether or not an animal is at-risk for the disease and whether to vaccinate."Jeff McCaughey, Fort Dodge canine and feline biologics product manager,says, "Our goal is to provide our customers with the safest, most effectivevaccine possible to protect cats from this deadly infection. Veterinariansshould be very comfortable and confident using this product." The annualvaccine requires three initial doses.

For fastest response call (800) 477-1365 .