(Overland Park, Kan., December 23, 2002) — Fort Dodge Animal Health has launched www.felovaxfiv.com, a new web site to raise awareness about feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and highlight the availability of Fel-O-Vax® FIV, the first vaccine licensed by the USDA as an aid in the prevention of infection of FIV in cats. The web site is part of an overall campaign directed to veterinarians and pet owners about preventing this disease.
Feline immunodeficiency virus can be a deadly disease that interferes with a cat’s immune system. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, up to one in 12 cats test positive for FIV.
At the Fel-O-Vax FIV web site www.felovaxfiv.com, veterinarians can learn more about the innovative vaccine and the safety and efficacy studies behind its proven effectiveness. Veterinarians can also register on the site to receive more technical material about the vaccine. The web site also includes information for pet owners about FIV and the signs of infection in cats, an FIV incidence map and a place for pet owners to learn about the vaccine. A video news story about a pet owner who lost her cat to FIV can be played from the web site’s home page giving site visitors a first-hand account of the dangers of the potentially fatal disease.
Recently approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Fel-O-Vax FIV is the first-ever vaccine approved to fight FIV. Fel-O-Vax FIV is based on patented technology developed by Janet Yamamoto, Ph.D., an immunologist and researcher at the University of Florida. Yamamoto originally co-discovered the FIV virus with Dr. Niels Pedersen, an international authority on retroviruses and immunologic disorders of small animals at the University of California/Davis. The two institutions hold joint patents on the FIV vaccine, and Fort Dodge, with approval by the USDA, utilized the more than 10 years of research to develop a commercial vaccine that can be used globally.
Fel-O-Vax FIV, which has an 84 percent efficacy rate, requires three initial doses and once yearly thereafter. The vaccine is recommended as an aid in the prevention of infection with FIV. After reviewing additional data submitted by Fort Dodge Animal Health, the USDA also approved that the FIV vaccine be administered to cats eight weeks of age and older. The vaccine provides protection for a minimum of 12 months.
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. Key products include CYDECTIN® Pour-On, QUEST® Gel, EtoGesic® Tablets and ProHeart® Injection. The company is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas.