(American Animal Hospital Association Meeting, Phoenix, AZ — April 4, 2003)– The American Heartworm Society (AHS) today announced the re-launch of the organization’s web site at www.heartwormsociety.org as the preeminent source for heartworm information. The site is part of a campaign funded by Fort Dodge Animal Health to provide the latest scientific information regarding the disease to veterinarians, pet owners and the media. The objective of the campaign is to create an enhanced presence on the Internet for the AHS and convey a scientific message regarding the prevalence of heartworm disease.
“When veterinarians become a member of the American Heartworm Society, they do so to learn more about the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of heartworm disease, and to be kept informed as to the advances made in the research of this devastating disease. The site is an excellent vehicle for that purpose, and we appreciate corporate support to help continue to fulfill this mission,” said Don Doiron, president of the American Heartworm Society.
Pet owners and media representatives seeking more scientific data to understand heartworm disease will welcome the new site’s latest information. The relaunched site will also help the Society increase awareness and understanding among the pet-owning public and the general media regarding the prevalence of heartworm disease in pets, and the continued need for compliance to prevent heartworm infection in pets.
Although heartworm infection can cause serious complications in pets, it can be prevented. For dogs, there are a variety of options for preventing heartworm infection, including daily and monthly tablets and chewables, monthly topicals and an injectable administered by your veterinarian that provides protection for six months. All of these methods are extremely effective and when the drugs are administered properly on a timely schedule, heartworm infection can be completely prevented.
“Fort Dodge is pleased to underwrite this important project and provide our resources to help the American Heartworm Society better communicate to veterinarians, pet owners and members of the media the most up-to-date information on the prevention and treatment of heartworm disease in pets,” said Steve Hoffman, product manager for Fort Dodge Animal Health. “As a company that is committed to providing the veterinary community with the latest innovations, we are proud to be a part of a project with such an important educational mission that ultimately benefits both the veterinary profession and pet health.”
The AHS also views the site as an important vehicle to communicate important upcoming Society events.
“As we head into our 2004 symposium, the site will continue to grow as the preeminent source for veterinarians providing the latest in heartworm disease prevention and treatment. We encourage veterinarians to visit the site often as more information is posted regarding this important upcoming event,” said Doiron.
Founded during the Heartworm Symposium of 1974, the American Heartworm Society was formed to facilitate and encourage the generation and dissemination of information about heartworm disease and encourage adoption of standardized procedures for its diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The Society stimulates and financially supports research, which furthers knowledge and understanding of the disease. Its headquarters is located in Batavia, Ill.
Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth (NYSE:WYE), is a leading manufacturer and distributor of prescription and over-the-counter animal health care products for livestock, companion animal, equine, swine and poultry industries in North America and international markets. The company is located in Overland Park, Ks.