Elanco sponsor biker vets raising money for SPANA

Elanco Companion Animal Health is sponsoring the Vets with Horsepower European Tour which aims to raise £125,000 for SPANA by travelling 3,000 miles through Europe by motorbike between 22 August and 9 September.

Led by Professor Derek Knottenbelt from the University of Liverpool, the seven-strong team of top equine vets are planning to travel by motorbike through Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Morocco and Spain and deliver lectures to eight European and African veterinary schools in just two weeks.

We spoke to Jessica Kidd, one of the ‘biker vets’, at BEVA 2011. We wish the whole team the best of luck!

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Elanco launches campaign to educate owners on flea protection

Recent research by Elanco Companion Animal Health has revealed that while nearly half of dog owners allow their pets to swim at least once a month during the summer, over 45% of those questioned were unaware that if a dog is bathed or swims it may lose protection from spot-on flea treatments with only a sixth realising that the active ingredients in some spot-on insecticides can harm aquatic organisms.

With this in mind, Elanco Companion Animal Health has launched a ‘Stop Fleas Fast’ campaign to raise awareness of fleas and the importance of regular, fast-acting treatment. The initiative will encourage pet owners to talk to their vets about flea infestations and Comfortis chewable tablet for dogs, the first and only chewable, beef flavoured tablet that starts to kill fleas in 30 minutes and is 100% effective in four hours. The tablet is easy to administer and there is no residue on the pet after application.

The campaign will be backed by an extensive PR, radio and Web TV campaign that will be spearheaded by Gavin and Stacey actress and dog owner, Joanna Page, and RSPCA veterinary surgeon, David Grant.

Consumer research conducted by Elanco has found 6/10 owners purchase treatment from other sources

Elanco conducted a survey of 1000 dog owners and found whilst the majority would consult their vet on advice in treating fleas, worms and vaccination, most would then purchase treatment from other sources.

According to the research nearly a quarter of owners who previously bought treatment from veterinary practices switched to pet stores or internet pharmacies within a year.

But why?

Cost, convenience and method of treatment. Elanco conducted the study to promote Comfortis and the ease as which it is administered. In their case study they highlight a vet who offered a 20% discount for the tablet to great success.

No matter how good the service at your practice is, you are competing with a variety of more convenient, cheaper treatment options. Services such as the NVS Webshop and Pfizer Pressroom can help you stay ahead of the competition.

Elanco conducts research to prove effectiveness of vaccine

Elanco has conducted a new study that displays marked antibody response to influenza in Thoroughbred weanlings treated with Duvaxyn IE-T.

The study involved 66 unvaccinated weanlings who were monitored over six months. The study was conducted in a field conditions as opposed to most vaccination studies which are conducted in closed laboratory settings.

Nearly 50% of 1006 owners surveyed by Elanco were not aware of the risk of flea infestation

As winter hits more owners will be turning up their heating which accelerates pupal development in fleas. Almost half of owners surveyed weren’t aware of the effect this would have on their pets, with an increasing number unaware of the risk of fleas in carpets, beddings and furnishings.

Fleas aren’t just a summer problem. Owners need to be made aware that infestations can occur at any point and pets should be protected. For more information on fleas, flea management and factsheets on fleas for owners take a look at the Vetstream flea listing.

Elanco have a range of support material to help raise awareness. Elanco also provide Comfortis, a beef-flavoured tablet that protect against fleas. For more information visit Elanco or call +44 (0)1256 779881.

5th Southern European Veterinary Conference (SEVC) tops delegate attendance

The 4 day conference took place in Barcelona and had over 3200 attendees, with delegates from 51 different countries.

Amongst other presentations, Virbac and Elanco presented symposia on vaccines to prevent Leishmaniasis, and new scientific techniques for managing fleas.

Outside the scientific program, SEVC offered a vibrant party towards the end of the conference, with a traditional Spanish Flamenco show hosted by Hill’s.

The next SEVC conference will be 18-21 Oct 2012, Barcelona. For more information take a look at the SEVC site.