OVERLAND PARK, Kan (July 1, 2002) ” The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved additional label claims for the recently licensed Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) vaccine from Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth.
After reviewing data submitted by Fort Dodge Animal Health, the USDA has approved the FIV vaccine to be administered in cats eight weeks of age and older. Efficacy data from this second study shows protection in 84% of vaccinates against infection, while 90% of the controls became persistently infected. The new study continued to show the protection induced by this inactivated vaccine lasts for a minimum of 12 months.
“We’re very pleased with the results of these latest challenge studies,” explains Jeff McCaughey, Canine/Feline Biologics Product Manager for Fort Dodge Animal Health. “Our goal is to provide our customers with the safest, most effective vaccine possible to help protect cats from this deadly infection. Veterinarians should be very comfortable and confident using this product.”
The new vaccine, which requires three initial doses, is recommended as an aid in the prevention of infection with FIV. The vaccine will be available for purchase to licensed practicing veterinarians in the summer of 2002.
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 the 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.
