Edward Breitschwerdt, DVM, DACVIMNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleigh, North Carolina

Michael Dryden, DVM, MS, PhDKansas State UniversityManhattan, Kansas

Roles and Responsibilities in Flea Control*

IntroductionWithin the past decade, techno-

logically advanced flea products for dogsand cats have significantly reshaped theway veterinarians and pet ownersapproach common ectoparasites. Today’sflea products have set new performancestandards, including broader-spectrumactivity, longer duration of protection(even after water immersion or bathing),pet-friendly application enhancements,and more information for veterinariansand pet owners. However, even withthese major strides, these pests remain a

IN THIS ISSUE:

Roles and Responsibilitiesin Flea Control........................... 1Mosquitoes, CompanionAnimals, and West Nile VirusUpdate for 2003......................... 4Ask the Vet ................................ 7Veterinarian of the Year ............. 8

espousing preventive flea control wth theuse of insecticides and insect growthregulators (IGRs) my entire career.

Edward Breitschwerdt, DVM: Fleainfestation has certainly taken on a

A U G U S T 2 0 0 3 V O L U M E 1 , N U M B E R 1

A NEWSLETTER OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS

real threat to the health and well-being ofcompanion animals. Failure to properlyprotect our pets can lead to a variety ofillnesses, some of which may be lifethreatening.

With regard to flea control, whatare the pathogenic and infectiousdisease ramifications beyond theirdirect effects on the pet? Michael Dryden, DVM, MS, PhD:We have seen an apparent increase in avariety of vector-transmitted diseases. Notonly are some of these diseases pathogenicin our pets, but many of them are alsozoonotic in nature. When we look at fleacontrol, it is far more important to take apreventive approach. I have been

Steven Hansen, DVM, MS, DABVTUniversity of IllinoisUrbana, Illinois

Keith Hnilica, DVM, MS, DACVDUniversity of TennesseeKnoxville, Tennessee

*This article is excerpted from Roles andResponsibilities in Flea & Tick Control: A Veterinarian’s Guide, a supplement toVeterinary Forum, Vol. 26, No. 6, 2003.

In January 2003, the veterinary specialists below met during the North American VeterinaryConference in Orlando, Florida, to discuss emerging flea-borne diseases, some strategies for preventinginfestations, and ways to improve owner compliance with appropriate therapy. The following areexcerpts from this roundtable discussion.

2 HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • AUGUST 2003 • VOL. 1, NO. 1

Consulting EditorsAlbert Ahn, DVM

Corporate Vice PresidentChief Scientific OfficerThe Hartz Mountain Corporation

Bruce TrumanDivisional Vice President Animal Health and NutritionThe Hartz Mountain Corporation

HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM is produced for The Hartz Mountain Corporation by Veterinary Learning Systems, 780 Township Line Rd., Yardley, PA 19067.

Copyright © 2003 The Hartz Mountain Corporation. All rights reserved.

Hartz® is a trademark of The Hartz MountainCorporation.

Printed in U.S.A. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the publisher.

For more information on The Hartz MountainCorporation, visit www.hartz.com.

A U G U S T 2 0 0 3 V O L U M E 1 , N U M B E R 1

A NEWSLETTER OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALSwhole new dimension with the discoveryof Bartonella and Rickettsia spp andother organisms in fleas. In areas wherecats have extensive flea exposures,anywhere from 33% to 100% willbecome actively infected with theseorganisms in their blood.

It is easy to study an infectiousdisease that is acute, such as RockyMountain spotted fever, because theclinical course is a 2- to 3-week period.But with the organisms that aretransmitted by fleas, the time oftransmission to the onset of diseasecould be months to years.

Which emerging flea-borne diseasesshould practitioners be aware of? Breitschwerdt: The Bartonella spp arecurrently the most important emergingflea-transmitted infectious agents. Onlytwo Bartonella spp were known to existbefore 1992, and today there are 20recognized species.

Given that prevention is such a key strategy in the control of flea-related diseases inboth the pet and humanpopulations, we need toconsider the appropriateuse of flea products. Dryden: There are twofacets to appropriate use—when the products should beused and proper application.Often, an inappropriate use of productsis reactive medicine—that is, reacting tovisible evidence—and appropriate use ofproducts is preventive medicine.

Keith Hnilica, DVM, MS: We are in anera in which even the least effective of thecommonly used flea products is effectiveenough to control most infections whenused as indicated on the label, especially ifthey are used year-round. Certainly, oneof the most common causes attributed totransient flare-up of flea allergy dermatitisis the lack of regular application of fleaproducts.

Steven Hansen, DVM, MS: Clearly,one of the most significant misuses is thatof permethrin dog-only products on cats.Thus, we emphatically emphasize toowners how critical it is to read andfollow the label directions. Permethrinuse on cats can be lethal.

What might be some effectivestrategies that encourage owners to read the labels? Dryden: Because the newer parasiticidesare very effective and generally safe whenused appropriately, many practitionershave gradually ignored the educationalprocess. We need to return to effectiveclient education. The first applicationevery year is an opportunity to showowners again how to properly administerflea products.

Labels need to state in a concisemanner the importance of preventing aspecific disease. We can educate from anefficacy standpoint that if owners followlabel instructions, they are preventingdisease not only in their pets but in theentire family.

Hnilica: Based on conversationswith veterinarians, most of

the feline permethrin-related toxicities were incats that had not routinelybeen to the veterinarian

but in fact were presentedon an emergency basis as

a first-time patient. For avariety of reasons, including cost,

some owners choose to use over-the-counter (OTC) products without acomplete understanding of the relativerisks because they simply do not readthe label.

It is difficult to educate owners whoare purchasing OTC products and failingto seek veterinary guidance.

Hansen: Every practitioner selling fleaproducts needs to have a warning printedon the customer receipt stating that thelabel should be read or the productshould not be used in certain situations.

Dear Veterinarian and Animal Health Care Provider:

Welcome once again to the NEWHartz! In this inaugural issue of HartzCompanion AnimalSM, we continue ourfocus on a renewed commitment toyour practice and the veterinary profes-sion as a whole.

In the following pages we will sharewith you information on the pharma-cology of flea products and updates onmosquitoes and West Nile virus. Youwill also find some information aboutour Veterinarian of the Year contest.Lastly, we will provide you with a closelook at one of the many products thatHartz® has to offer.

We hope you enjoy reading thenext few pages and find the informa-tion helpful.

Sincerely,

Albert Ahn, DVM

HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • AUGUST 2003 • VOL. 1, NO. 1 3

What should practitioners do whena patient has an adverse reaction toa product used off-label? Hansen: If the pet owner calls beforepresenting the animal, it is critical forstaff to emphasize the importance ofbringing the product package with thepet because treatment will depend notonly on the pet’s clinical signs but also onthe product’s active ingredient. Second,practitioners need to take an extensivehistory and complete physical exam-ination. I also encourage them to consultan expert, such as technical serviceveterinarians at pharmaceuticalcompanies, specialists in diagnosticlaboratories, or the ASPCA AnimalPoison Control Center, which is open 24hours. In addition, practitioners canaccess online information at VeterinaryInformation Network (www.vin.com), theNetwork of Animal Health(www.avma.org/noah), and the ASPCAAnimal Poison Control Center(www.apcc.aspca.org).

What are our treatment options andobjectives for flea control? Dryden: We need to continue to use IGRs because we recognize that if the fleascannot be killed at least you can preventthem from laying eggs. We need to becareful about resistance. I am not sure anyof us can anticipate how long theseproducts are going to be effective, so weshould avoid making long-term forecasts.

Hansen: We must constantly rememberthat all flea products can result in adversereactions following both approved andunapproved applications. Adversereactions are much more likely to occur,however, following misuse, includingoverapplication and application on aninappropriate species. Therefore,veterinarians must continue to educatepet owners on proper use of flea productsin strict accordance with label directions.

ConclusionFortunately, the present generation of

flea products offers veterinarians and pet

MICHAEL DRYDEN, DVM, MS, PhD, ON A PRACTICAL INTEGRATED FLEA CONTROL PROGRAM FOR PET OWNERS

n Educate pet owners on important aspects of the four-stage flea life cycle. Typically, a fleapopulation is made up of approximately 50% eggs, 30% larvae, 15% pupae, and only 5% biting adults. Completion of the life cycle from egg to adult often varies from 2 weeks to 2 months. Adult cat fleas cannot survive or lay eggs without a blood meal, but once it isfeeding on a dog or cat, the female can lay 20 to 40 eggs per day and up to 2,000 in a lifetime. If groomed from the host, egg production ceases and fleas die within 24 to 48hours. Newly emerged previously unfed adult fleas, however, can live 1 to 2 weeks if a bloodmeal is not obtained. The optimum temperature range for survival is 70˚F to 85˚F at an optimum humidity of 80%.

n Provide pet owners with the following recommendations for mechanical control procedures.Flea populations can be monitored quite simply. Use a flea comb, recording the number offleas caught each day to determine whether the flea population is increasing or decreasing.Vacuum carpets and furniture frequently using a vacuum with good suction and discardingthe vacuum cleaner bag. Discard or wash the pet’s bedding. Also, sweep and mop floors,especially under beds and in closets. If infestation is severe, steam clean all furniture, carpet-ing, and pet bedding to help kill fleas and eliminate debris that feeds larval fleas. If possible,make the rooms as cool and dry as possible, which will help slow down flea development andallow flea larvae to desiccate. Be sure to vacuum thoroughly in low-traffic areas, such as alongthe edges of walls, in corners, under furniture, and behind doors—flea larvae tend to survivebest in these locations. Also, regularly wash bedding and rugs that the pet lays on. To controlfleas outdoors, apply approved insecticides, such as cyfluthrin, in shaded areas where pets frequent. Always allow treated areas to dry several hours before allowing the pet and peopleaccess into treated areas.

n Suggest that pet owners follow mechanical control procedures with an approved applicationof an adulticide and insect growth regulator (IGR) to the pet. After implementing mechani-cal procedures, administer an effective adulticide–ovicide combination to your dog or cat.The ovicidal component may be an insecticide with ovicidal activity or an IGR specificallydesigned to suppress reproduction. Since adulticides are never 100% effective, the ovicidalaction ensures that surviving fleas cannot produce viable eggs. A product or a combination ofproducts that provides both adulticidal and ovicidal activity can markedly benefit flea controlefforts and delay development of resistance to flea products.

owners unsurpassed protection options.It is critical that the product be appliedin accordance with label directions tooptimize performance and help preventadverse reactions. In the event that a pethas a reaction, owners should bestrongly encouraged to consult theirlocal veterinarian or contact a localemergency veterinary hospital or animalpoison control center. It is importantthat the original packaging be retainedso that product identification can bemade. Manufacturers typically have atechnical services or consumer relationsdepartment that can provide additional

support and information on specificproducts. The product label lists atelephone number for contactingsupport staff. Company web sites mayalso be available.

As effective as today’s products are,researchers are continuing to pursue newtechnologies in prevention, diagnosis, andtreatment. Over the centuries, fleas haveshown a remarkable ability to adapt. Thisability coupled with the emergence ofmosquitoes that transmit West Nile virusserve as continuous reminders of theimportance of actively developing newsolutions to protect our pets.

With summer well under way, we seeincreasing mosquito activity and cannothelp but think of West Nile virus (WNV).WNV was first diagnosed in the UnitedStates in 1999 in New York State andquickly spread across the country, with 44states recording viral activity by the endof summer 2002.1

WNV is a zoonotic disease requiring amosquito vector. The virus maintainsitself in nature by cycling betweenmosquitoes and birds. Birds are knownamplification hosts; the majority ofviremic birds sustain an infectious viremiafor 1 to 4 days, allowing uninfectedmosquitoes that subsequentlyfeed on them to becomeinfected.2 Other mammalsand reptiles are generallyconsidered incidental hostsbecause they do not achieveeffective levels of viremia toinfect mosquitoes.3

WNV is transmitted tohumans primarily by infectedmosquitoes that feed on them, but othermethods have been documented,including laboratory exposures,4

consumption of infected breast milk,infected blood products received duringtransfusion, and organ transplantation.5 Asingle human case of transplacentaltransmission has also been documented.6

To date, there is no documented humancase of WNV acquired directly from aninfected animal.7

Humans are not the only species thatcan become infected with WNV; it isknown to cause serious disease in horsesand many species of birds.2 The clinicalattack rate of infected horses has beenestimated at 8% to 10%.13,14 WNVinfection in previous outbreaks causedinapparent disease in avian populations;however, high avian mortality rates inboth wild and captive birds have been thenorm with the strain recently introducedinto the United States.15 Limited researchhas also been conducted to determine theseriousness of WNV in other species,including our animal companions,particularly dogs and cats.

This research has demonstrated thatdomestic dogs and cats are susceptible toinfection by WNV.16 A study done inLouisiana following an epidemic in 2002by Kile, et al., demonstrated that dogshave a higher rate of seroconversion thancats. Seroprevalence in dogs was approxi-mately 25%, versus approximately 9% incats.17 However, the fact that dogs andcats can become infected with WNVdoes not mean that they will necessarilybecome clinically ill.

Like humans, dogs and cats thatbecome infected with WNV mostcommonly have an inapparent infection.18

The only clinical sign noted in dogsexperimentally infected with WNV was amyopathy so mild that it was detected byan elevated creatine kinase value onblood-chemistry analysis.19 In a limited

TransmissionMosquitoes are the primary vehicle for

the transmission of WNV to humans andanimals. Viremic mosquitoes carry thevirus in their salivary glands and infectspecies they feed on. WNV has beenisolated from at least 36 species ofmosquitoes in North America8; Culexpipiens is considered the primary vector.3,9

One important aspect of the transmissionof WNV from birds to other species ishost-feeding preference. Many species ofmosquitoes feed exclusively on birds andare therefore able to maintain the virus in

nature. Other mosquitoes do not feedexclusively on one species but are

indiscriminate or opportunis-tic feeders. These mosqui-toes are known as bridgevectors, because they cantransmit the virus frombirds to other animals,

including humans.In the United States, WNV

was initially diagnosed in humans,but that diagnosis was preceded bywidespread reports of dead birds in NewYork City.10 WNV infection causes a rare,occasionally lethal, meningoencephalitisin less than 1% of human cases. The mostcommon clinical aspect in humans is amild, self-limiting febrile illness, whichoccurs in approximately 20% ofseropositive human infections, buttypically humans have an inapparentinfection.11,12

Jamie Snow, DVM, and Mike L. Bunning, DVM Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases Arbovirus Diseases BranchAtlanta, Georgia

Mosquitoes, CompanionAnimals, and West Nile VirusUpdate for 2003

4 HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • AUGUST 2003 • VOL. 1, NO. 1

study by Austgen, et al., cats exhibited amild clinical disease that lasted 2 to 4days.18 Signs were non-neurologic andincluded lethargy, a moderate decrease inappetite, and a mild febrile response.18

In rare cases, dogs and cats with severeneurologic disease similar to that seen inbirds, horses, and humans have beendetermined to be infected with WNV.Immune-compromised animals are at ahigher risk for more serious sequelae.19

From 2000 through 2002, the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention’s (CDC)ArboNet, the national electronicsurveillance system established by theCDC to assist states in tracking WNVand other mosquito-borne viruses,reported 3 WNV-positive cats and 7dogs.20 However, the importance of WNVinfection in dogs and cats should be keptin perspective. The number of humancases of WNV infection reported in 2002was 4,156 compared to 7 canine cases and1 feline case reported in the same year.21

Current research results indicate thatdogs and cats do not play an important roleas amplifier hosts for WNV and thereforedo not play an important role in itsmaintenance in nature.18,19 From a publichealth perspective, this indicates thatcompanion animal owners are unlikely tohave an elevated risk for infection withWNV due to pet ownership.

DiagnosisDiagnosis of WNV in a dog or cat

should be based on clinical signs withsupportive serology. Other neurologicdiseases should be included in thedifferential diagnosis (e.g., other arbovirusesand rabies). A fourfold increase in serumneutralization titer (PRNT) betweenappropriately timed acute and convalescentserum samples is diagnostic for WNV.2

Other tests that can be helpful indiagnosing WNV in companion animalsinclude a positive polymerase chainreaction (PCR) on serum or tissue samplesand immunohistochemistry (IHC). Thesetwo diagnostic tests will not provide adefinitive diagnosis of WNV disease bythemselves but can provide a confirmatory

diagnosis when used conjointly withclinical signs that are consistent withWNV infection. At present, no commercialELISA for detecting IgM/G antibody indogs or cats exists.

TreatmentCurrently, there is also no definitive

treatment for WNV other thansupportive care. The best method forpreventing WNV infection in humansand companion animals is limitingexposure to mosquitoes. Research hasdemonstrated a positive correlationbetween an increase in the amount oftime an animal spends outdoors and anincrease in the rate of seroconversion toWNV.16,17 Following is a list ofrecommendations developed by the CDCto reduce the risk of exposure:

n Eliminate areas of standing wateraround the house, i.e., drain standingpools, clean gutters, and empty bird-baths.

n Minimize outdoor activities at dawnand in the early evening.

n For humans only, wear long-sleevedshirts and pants when outdoors andapply insect repellent, according tolabeled directions, to exposed skinand clothing.22

References1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: West

Nile Virus Statistics, Surveillance, and Control.Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/surv&control03Maps02.htm;accessed June 20, 2003.

2. Komar N: West Nile virus encephalitis. Rev SciTech 19(1):166–176, 2000.

3. Hayes CG: West Nile fever, in Monath TP (ed):The Arboviruses: Epidemiology and Ecology, vol V.Boca Raton, FL, CDC Press, 1989, pp 59–88.

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:Laboratory-acquired West Nile virus infections:United States, 2002. MMWR Morb Mortal WklyRpt 51(50):1133–1135, 2002.

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:Update: Investigations of West Nile virus infectionin recipients of organ transplantation and bloodtransfusion. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rpt51(37):833–836, 2002.

6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:Intrauterine West Nile virus infection—New York,2002. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rpt51(50):1135–1136, 2002.

7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: West

Nile Virus Questions and Answers. Available at:http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/transmission.htm; accessed June 30, 2003.

8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:Provisional surveillance summary of the West Nilevirus epidemic—United States, January–November2002. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rpt51(50):1129–1133, 2002.

9. Turell MJ, O’Guinn M, Oliver J: Potential for NewYork mosquitoes to transmit West Nile virus. Am JTrop Med Hyg 62(3):413–414, 2000.

10. Marfin AA, Petersen LR, Eidson M, et al:Widespread West Nile virus activity, EasternUnited States, 2000. Emerg Infect Dis7(4):730–735, 2001.

11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:Weekly update: A serosurvey for West NileVirus infection in New York and Connecticutcounties, 2000. MMWR Morb Mortal WklyRpt 50:37–39, 2001.

12. Mostashari F, Bunning ML, Kitsutani PT, etal: Epidemic West Nile encephalitis, NewYork, 1999: Results of a household-basedseroepidemiological survey. Lancet358(9278):261–264, 2001.

13. Joubert L, Oudar J, Hannoun C, Chippaus M:Reproduction experiméntale de la meníngeo-encephalomyelite du cheval par l’arbovirusWest Nile. 3. Relations entre la virolgie, laserologie et l’evolution anatomy-clinique.Consequeces epidemiologiquest etprophylactiques. Bull Acad Vet Fr 159–167,1971.

14. Bunning M, Bowen R, Cropp B, et al:Experimental infection of horses with WestNile virus. Emerg Infect Dis 8(4):380–386,2002.

15. Kramer LD, Bernard KA: West Nile Virusinfection in birds and mammals. Am NY AcadSci 951:89–93, 2001.

16. Komar N, Panella N, Boyce E: Exposure ofdomestic mammals to West Nile virus duringan outbreak of human encephalitis, New YorkCity, 1999. Emerg Infect Dis 7(4):736–738,2001.

17. Kile J, Panella N, Chow C, et al: West Nilevirus serosurvey of domestic canines andfelines during an epidemic—Louisiana, 2002.Unpublished data.

18. Austgen LE, Bowen RA, Bunning ML, et al:Experimental infection of cats and dogs withWest Nile virus: Mosquito-borne and oraltransmission. Unpublished data.

19. Blackburn NK, Reyers F, Berry WL,Shephard AJ: Susceptibility of dogs to WestNile virus: A survey and pathogenic trial. JComp Path 100(1):59–66, 1989.

20. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:ArboNet unpublished data.

21. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:West Nile Virus Update, Current Case Count.Available at http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/wncount.htm; accessed June 18, 2003.

22. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:West Nile Virus Questions and Answers.Available at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/prevention.htm; accessedJune 15, 2003.

HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • AUGUST 2003 • VOL. 1, NO. 1 5

Only a scientist would notice that something so attractive to humans could be so repulsive to fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.

Our veterinarians and PhDs test it. Independent companies test it. Then the government tests the tests.

It borders on obsession, we admit. But to our highlyrespected staff veterinariansand PhDs, relentless testing isan integral part of developing

new pet products.

Take Hartz Advanced Care Brand® Plus+, forinstance. First we subjected

it to a series of highly sophisticatedtests in our state-of-the-art laboratory.Then, we gave it to independentcompanies, which did extensive studiesout in the field. Finally, we submittedit to government agencies for review,earning a stamp of approval foreffectiveness on both dogs and cats.

Even after all of that, we’re still constantly testing new formulas, trying to find an even better flea, tick and mosquito treatment. It’s an obsession, remember?

50% of pets go without flea & tickprotection. (It’s not their fault.)

A client brings their flea-infested petinto your office. You prescribe atreatment for them. And then theyleave without it.

You’re not alone. According to theAmerican Pet Products ManufacturersAssociation®, over half of all pets aren’tgetting treated for fleas & ticks,* partlybecause their owners can’t afford theleading brand. Which is why Hartz

offers veterinarians an effective,lower-cost alternative to rec-ommend to your clients. Vet-erinary offices around thecountry have already begundispensing it, with the goal

of reducing the percentage ofunprotected pets. After all, forthose who care about animals’well-being, any percentage of

unprotected pets is too high.

We’re as committed to pets as you are. Really.

At Hartz, we’ve made a strong promise to help pets become healthier and happier, by continuing to introduce innovative,scientifically proven products. Perhapsjust as importantly, we’re making acommitment to veterinarians as well,by listening closely to your concernsand striving to be a better partner.But don’t just take our word for it. Call our Consumer RelationsDepartment at 1-800-275-1414 and ask to talk to a Hartz veterinarian, who will gladly share with you all the progress we’ve made recently.

Chrysanthemums. Fleas. Chrysanthemums. Fleas. Not exactly a connection most people would make. And yet sci-entists discovered that a synthetic derivative of the chrysanthemum flower called phenothrin kills fleas, ticks and

mosquitoes incredibly well. The same phenothrin you’ll find in Hartz Advanced Care Brand® Plus+. Phe-nothrin is so effective that it’s used to protect food supplies and has one of the EPA’s lowest toxicity pro-files for insecticides. And by combining it with (S )-methoprene, a proven insect growth regulator, Hartz

Advanced Care Brand® Plus+ protects against more parasites—fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and flea eggs—than any othermonthly topical brand. Maybe that’s why pets find it so attractive. Even if they don’t have the slightest clue what it is.

Chrysanthemum

*American Pet Product Manufacturers Association 2001-2002 National Pet Owners Survey

Albert Ahn, DVM, is a veterinarian, Chief Scientific Officer and Corporate Vice President at The Hartz Mountain Corporation.

ASK THE VET

HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • AUGUST 2003 • VOL. 1, NO. 1 7

QA A

A

QWhy is Hartz sponsoring this newsletter?

Hartz is your partner in animal health. We share

the same goal. According to the American Pet

Products Manufacturing Association, over 50% of

America’s dogs and cats do not receive adequate

flea and tick protection. You see them every day in

your practice. They are able to afford annual

vaccinations, and maybe the ever-important

heartworm preventative, but that’s all they can

afford. Should we deny these pets the flea and tick

protection they require? Even one unprotected pet

is too many. Hartz offers an affordable means for

those pet owners to obtain the protection they so

desperately need for their pet. The end result is a

happier pet.

Hartz is improving the health of pets and

encouraging pet owners to visit your practice.

Through our advertising and promotional efforts

we are encouraging all pet owners to visit their

veterinarian at least two times per year, and we

encourage pet owners to seek out their

veterinarian for recommendations on appropriate

products that they should use to maintain and

improve the health of their pet.

We want to hear from you!• Have questions or comments? Call our Consumer Relations Department at 800-275-1414 and ask to speak to a Hartz staff

veterinarian or email us at feedback@hartz.com.• To obtain a Hartz Veterinary Catalog, please call 800-999-3000 x5118 or email us at feedback@hartz.com.

Q

Does Hartz still sell permethrin topical spot flea and tickproducts in the United States? I have heard and seen the outcome when unknowing pet owners accidentallyapply a permethrin product to their cat.

Hartz has discontinued the manufacture ofpermethrin topical spot products for the U.S. market. Hartz believes that the risk of accidentalapplication to cats is too great and there are betteralternatives available to pet owners. Hartz iscontinuously evaluating new technologies andinnovations in the area of ectoparasite control.Please consider that there are several othercompanies that still manufacture and sell permethrin-based topical flea and tick products.

Your dewormer product, Hartz® Health measures®

Once-a-Month Wormer, contains piperazine. What steps has Hartz taken to offer pet owners more broad-spectrum protection?

Hartz® recently introduced Hartz® Rid WormTM

(pyrantel pamoate) Chewable Flavored Dog WormerTablets. Pyrantel pamoate has a wonderful history inthe veterinary community of providing dogs withprotection from roundworms and hookworms. Thisproduct will replace our existing formulations in orderto offer pet owners a higher level of protection.

Veterinary Learning Systems780 Township Line RoadYardley, PA 19067

PRESORTED STANDARDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBENSALEM, PAPERMIT #118

Veterinarians Get a “Thank You” From TheirClients by Being Nominated for the HartzVeterinarian of the Year Contest

For the past 77 years, Hartz has celebrated the Human–Animal Bond, and as veterinarians you are instrumental infostering this very important relationship between people and their pets. “The veterinary health care professionalsupports the Human–Animal Bond by providing both valuable information and professional services to pet owners,”says Bob Devine, president and CEO of Hartz. “Regular visits to the veterinarian will help maintain good health in pets.Hartz is proud to sponsor a contest which recognizes theveterinarian’s role in the Human–Animal Bond.”

Pet owners get a chance to say “thank you” for emergencyvisits and calm reassurances by nominating their vet for theHartz Veterinarian of the Year contest. This year, Hartz hasteamed up with Fancy Publications® (Dog Fancy® and

Cat Fancy®) to bring pet owners the “Veterinarian of the Year”Contest. This contest gives pet owners the opportunity tonominate their veterinarian as the Hartz “Veterinarian of theYear.” Pet owners can write in and tell Hartz why they feeltheir veterinarian is deserving of this honor. Prizes beingawarded include one Grand prize ($1,500 in cash and $500worth of Hartz® products plus $5,000 in cash for the winningveterinarian) and two First Runner Up prizes ($750 in cashand $250 worth of Hartz® products plus $2,500 in cash forthe winning veterinarian).

Entry forms and official contest rules are published in theSeptember issue of Dog Fancy and Cat Fancy magazines. Thisis a chance for pet owners to let veterinarians know just howmuch their care and concern has meant over the years.