DULUTH, Ga. (March 3, 2004) " According to a recent survey, veterinarians believe fleas will be the number one health risk for pets this spring and summer. This issue is most important for cats, identified by respondents as the pet least protected from these parasites by their owners.
Merial, maker of FRONTLINE® and HEARTGARD® (ivermectin) brand products, surveyed more than 300 veterinarians and vet clinic staff at the 2004 North American Veterinary Conference between January 17-21 in Orlando, Fla. The survey determined which parasites veterinarians believe will pose the greatest health risks to pets as warmer weather arrives.
Fifty percent of those surveyed named fleas atop the list of parasites that constitute the most significant medical issues in their practice. Vets and their staff voiced particular concern about cats and fleas, with 70 percent of respondents saying cat owners don't pay enough attention to protecting their pets from the parasite.
According to Dr. Zack Mills, Executive Director, Veterinary Services of Merial, "A vast majority of cat owners do not understand the importance of flea control in cats and that the use of preventives, such as FRONTLINE®, are effective in treating and controlling fleas. Even indoor cats, especially those who live with a dog in the household, should be protected from fleas that may cause painful diseases such as flea allergy dermatitis. Pet owners need to take precautions in order to prevent flea infestation both on their pets and in their homes."
Additional survey results concluded that 61 percent of veterinarians identified fipronil, the active ingredient in FRONTLINE®, as the most important ingredient for flea and tick control. FRONTLINE® Plus provides complete flea control and also kills ticks, including the deer tick, and is approved for both dogs and cats, making it the ideal preventive, especially for households with both dogs and cats.
Heartworm Disease Ranked Second; West Nile Virus Not a Concern
Heartworms were the next most frequently mentioned parasite, according to the survey, with almost one third of veterinarians and staff identifying them as a health risk to pets. Heartworm disease ranked second behind fleas as the health threat that most concerned veterinary professionals. Respondents named ticks as the third most prevalent pet health threat at 11 percent.
Conversely, the survey found that West Nile Virus, transmitted via mosquitoes and the subject of much attention in recent years, is believed to pose a much smaller health concern for dogs and cats. When veterinarians were asked to rank the importance of various pet health problems (fleas and flea-related diseases, heartworm disease, roundworm and/or hookworm disease, ticks and tick-transmitted disease, tapeworms and West Nile Virus), West Nile Virus was ranked as the least significant medical issue.
"In terms of mosquito-borne diseases, heartworm is the most deadly to pets because of the high incidence rate and dogs' susceptibility. Furthermore, the disease can be complicated because many pets do not show signs of infection until the advanced stages of the disease," said Dr. Zack Mills. "On the other hand, dogs are typically resistant to West Nile Virus and rarely show clinical signs."
Because veterinarians have identified fleas as the parasite of most concern to dogs and cats this spring and summer, following are some tips for keeping pets protected:
* Eliminate fleas from a pet's environment. Clean the areas where the pet often sleeps or rests. Treat outdoor sleeping areas with an insecticide.
* When selecting a flea control product, ask your veterinarian if the product has an approved formulation for both dogs and cats. Products like FRONTLINE® Plus (a monthly, fast acting, waterproof flea and tick control product) are available from your veterinarian and are approved for both cats and dogs. FRONTLINE® Plus keeps all stages of fleas from developing, making it a complete flea and tick control product.
* Once fleas infest a home, control will require a vigilant program that includes cleaning and treating infested areas indoors, eliminating fleas on pets and cleaning up outdoor locations where pets rest. Using a product like FRONTLINE® Plus that prevents the development of all flea stages would be a much better option.
2004 NAVC Survey Data The parasites that pose the MOST significant medical issue in your practice: Full Base: Respondents 308
Fleas 153 49.7%cHeartworms 85 27.6%cTicks 35 11.4%cRoundworms 21 6.8%cMosquitoes 12 3.9%cTapeworms 2 0.6%c
The health issues that are LEAST important to you: Full Base: Respondents 308
West Nile Virus 268 87.0%cTapeworms 214 69.5%cTicks and tick-transmitted disease 48 15.6%cRoundworm and/or hookworm disease 42 13.6%cHeartworm disease 40 13.0%cFleas and flea-related diseases 10 3.2%c
The most important active ingredient in a flea and tick preventive: Full Base: Respondents 308
Fipronil 188 61.0%c Imidacloprid 66 21.4%cPermethrin 28 9.1%cSelamectin 26 8.4%c About FRONTLINE®FRONTLINE® is offered in three convenient formulations " FRONTLINE Plus, TOPSPOT® and Spray formulation " and work uniquely through the sebaceous glands of the skin to provide fast-acting, long-lasting and waterproof flea and tick control. FRONTLINE products are the number one choice for flea and tick control among veterinarians and pet owners for both dogs and cats.
About HEARTGARD®HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel), when used as directed, is an all-beef chewable that is 100 percent effective against heartworm disease in dogs and also treats and controls gastrointestinal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms. HEARTGARD Plus is the number-one choice among veterinarians and is approved for all breeds, even pregnant or breeding dogs, and puppies 6 weeks of age or older. For protection against heartworms and treatment and control of other internal parasites, HEARTGARD Plus should be administered orally at monthly intervals. For information about HEARTGARD Plus, visit http://www.heartgard.com or see your veterinarian.
About MerialMerial 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 operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2002 sales were in excess of $1.7 billion. Merial Limited is a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc., and Aventis, S.A. For more information about Merial, visit http://www.merial.com. ã2004 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA.
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