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AVMA and Fort Dodge Animal Health Launch Spring Pet Wellness Campaign

Posted on: Tuesday, 14 March 2006, 09:01 CST

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., and OVERLAND PARK, Kan., March 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Fort Dodge Animal Health announce the start of a new educational initiative designed to raise consumer awareness about preventing diseases that can be spread from pets, and other animals, to people, as well as those that can infect both people and pets. These diseases, called zoonotic diseases, include leptospirosis, Lyme disease, rabies, ringworm and giardia. Zoonotic diseases can be especially dangerous for young children and people with certain medical conditions.

The initiative is part of National Pet Wellness Month, a clinic-centered educational campaign co-sponsored by the AVMA and Fort Dodge Animal Health. Nearly 13,000 veterinary clinics currently participate.

"Early detection of disease is a critical factor to saving lives and protecting the health of both pets and their owners," says AVMA President Henry E. Childers, DVM, DABVP. "More frequent visits with a veterinarian make for better diagnosis, treatment and, ideally, prevention of zoonotic diseases and other health problems before they become life threatening."

In addition to learning about zoonotic disease threats and prevention, when pet owners visit participating veterinary clinics between March 1, 2006, and October 31, 2006, they can also enter the Twice A Year For Life! Sweepstakes, courtesy of Fort Dodge Animal Health. The sweepstakes will award 100 grand prizes of semi-annual wellness exams for the lifetime of a cat or dog. To enter, pet owners obtain an official entry form at their veterinary clinic and enter either by mail or online at http://www.npwm.com/. Each grand prize covers the professional fees associated with conducting a semi-annual wellness exam at the veterinary clinic of each winner's choice. The prize is valued at up to $75 per semi-annual wellness exam for the life of the pet.

Additional information about National Pet Wellness Month, zoonotic diseases and the Twice A Year For Life! Sweepstakes is available online at http://www.npwm.com/.

About the American Veterinary Medical Association

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 71,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine including its relationship to public health and agriculture. Visit the AVMA Web site at http://www.avma.org/ to learn more about veterinary medicine, animal care and access up-to-date information on the association's issues, policies and activities.

About Fort Dodge Animal Health

Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth , is a leading manufacturer and distributor of animal health care products for the companion animal, equine, livestock, swine and poultry industries in North America and international markets. As a committed partner to veterinary practitioners, producers and pet owners worldwide, Fort Dodge Animal Health is making a difference in the future of animal health through innovative research and product development that address current and emerging animal health needs. Key products include West Nile-Innovator(R) and the Innovator(R) combination vaccines, Duramune(R) Adult, the Fel-O-Vax(R) vaccine line, CYDECTIN(R) Pour-On, the Pyramid(R) vaccine line, QUEST(R) Gel and EtoGesic(R) Tablets.

Fort Dodge Animal Health

CONTACT: Sharon Granskog of American Veterinary Medical Association,+1-847-285-6619, sgranskog@avma.org; or Steve Hoefer of Latorra, Paul &McCann, +1-315-476-1646 ext. 234, shoefer@lpm-adv.com, both for Fort DodgeAnimal Health

Web site: http://www.npwm.com/http://www.avma.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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