Lifesaving dose against Hendra virus free of charge

As the peak Hendra virus season continues to place the equine community at risk, horse owners are being encouraged to vaccinate now, with the second dose of the potentially lifesaving Hendra vaccine, Equivac HeV, available for free.

From now until 31 July 2013, commercial manufacturers of the vaccine, Zoetis, are providing horse owners with their second dose of Equivac HeV free of charge through participating veterinarians. Horse owners should visit www.health4horses.com.au for terms and conditions of the offer.

“With 60 per cent of Hendra virus outbreaks occurring between May and July, the offer has been timed to give horse owners the best chance possible to help protect themselves, their families and the wider community,” said Dr Stephanie Armstrong from Zoetis.

“Equivac HeV is the most significant weapon in our arsenal against this deadly disease and vaccination will give horse owners the peace of mind that their horse is immunised for at least six months,” she added.

Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) and Equestrian Australia are urging owners and handlers to take advantage of the offer to help protect themselves and their horses during this time of greatest risk.

“There are no second chances with Hendra. 100 per cent of horses diagnosed with the virus die. Even more worrying, there is a 57 per cent mortality rate in people that contract the disease,” said Dr Warwick Vale, President of the EVA and Chairman of Equestrian Australia.

“While we have been advising the community to vaccinate since the launch of Equivac HeV in November 2012, we hope the free dose initiative will cause a surge in vaccination numbers and see horse owners take their horse’s welfare and their own safety more seriously. The use of this vaccine ensures that the risks posed by Hendra virus are mitigated. Hendra disease is now effectively preventable.”

The offer follows a groundswell of support for Equivac HeV from the equine industry. This includes the backing of world-renowned Coolmore Stud, where over 400 mares were vaccinated, and the Queensland, NSW and WA Mounted Police, who recently vaccinated their horses against Hendra.

Equivac HeV can be administered to any horse from four months of age and the vaccine offers at least six months of immunity following the administration of the second dose of the vaccine. Since the launch of Equivac HeV on 1 November 2012, only 0.22 per cent of doses administered have resulted in adverse events, with approximately half of these reported as minor site reactions that require little or no treatment.

The free dose offer is only available through participating veterinarians and consultation fees and any associated travel costs for the administering veterinarian will apply. Equivac HeV is not a registered chemical product and a submission for registration has been made.

About Zoetis

Zoetis (zo-EH-tis) is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting customers and businesses focused on raising and caring for livestock and companion animals. Building on a 60-year history as the animal health business of Pfizer, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products and genetic tests and supported by a range of services. The company generated annual revenues of $4.3 billion in 2012. It has more than 9,300 employees worldwide and a local presence in approximately 70 countries, including 29 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries. Its products serve veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for livestock and companion animals in 120 countries. Zoetis has Australian-based research and manufacturing facilities as well as major presence in the US, Asia and Europe and can deliver quality products with a focus on Australian needs. Zoetis is the largest animal health company in Australia, with a base in Sydney and a large team of field based representatives and veterinarians. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.au