ISSUE NO. 4 | Winter 2018
MAGAZINE
THE PRESTIGE YOU DESERVE
®
Introducing our rebranded vaccines 04
06
10
MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH BUSINESS TIPS
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF COMMITMENT
RON'S CORNER
Healthy Strategies for Veterinary Wellbeing
UHVRC By the Numbers
Merck Animal Health is behind you every step of the way
Featured Product
THE PRESTIGE® YOU DESERVE
M
erck Animal Health has rebranded its inactivated vaccine line to PRESTIGE. This brand change applies to all vaccines in the portfolio except Flu Avert® I.N. The new naming system, along with new packaging is currently making its way into the market. The change will streamline ordering and simplify the vaccine line under our long-standing, well-recognized and trusted PRESTIGE brand. The brand transition began with the launch of our updated flu strains this time last year and has evolved throughout 2018. Only PRESTIGE flu-containing vaccines include the most current influenza protection available, including Florida ‘13, Richmond ‘07 and Kentucky ‘02 strains. Florida ‘13 and Richmond ‘07 are new strains that were added to the existing Kentucky ‘02 strain. With these strains, Merck Animal Health is providing protection against Clade 1 and Clade 2 equine influenza strains, as recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).
Influenza Strains in U.S. Equine Vaccines CLADE
INFLUENZA STRAINS
PRESTIGE® 2
1
Florida 2013
X
2
Richmond 2007
X
1
Ohio 2003
2 (like)
Kentucky 2002
1
Kentucky 1997
1
Kentucky 1995
1
Newmarket 1993
VETERA® 2XP
PARTNERS IN PRACTICE | Winter 2018
CALVENZA® -03 EIV
X X
X
X X X
Information obtained from respective product labels. All registered trademarks are property of their respective brands.
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FLUVAC INNOVATOR®
X X
Merck Animal Health
HORSE TIPS Timely Health Tips to Share with Horse Owners Changes in feed and water intake during the cold, winter months can make certain types of colic more likely to occur in horses. Here are a few tips to share with horse owners until you arrive. • Check your horse’s heart rate. The normal range is 32 to 44 beats per minute. • Check your horse’s respiration rate. Normal resting breathing rate is 8 to 12 breaths per minute. • Take your horse’s temperature if it is safe to do so. Normal temperature range is 99-101°F.
Safety and potency in every dose The PRESTIGE line of vaccines has a long-standing reputation for safety and efficacy, shown to be 98 percent reaction-free in field safety trials.1 This is because every Merck Animal Health inactivated vaccine is produced with our proprietary Antigen Purification System™ (APS) and contains the exclusive Havlogen® adjuvant. This rebranding signifies to veterinarians and horse owners that every PRESTIGE vaccine they purchase includes these technologies. -- Havlogen stimulates the immune system to produce high, long-lasting levels of protection through the slow release and gradual absorption of antigen. Due to the composition of Havlogen, the vaccine maintains suspension without separation and settling in the vial — resulting in consistency and potency in every dose. -- The Antigen Purification System removes unwanted protein and cellular debris from the vaccine antigen. Using this method of filtration purification allows concentration of antigen, while minimizing the presence of extraneous protein and cellular debris that can contribute to vaccine associated adverse events.
• Observe the amount and consistency of manure in the stall. • Observe any abnormalities in the amount of grain, hay or water consumed. • Be prepared to report all medications administered and any recent changes in diet or activity. • If your horse is trying to roll, get him up and walking. • If your horse wants to lie down, that is okay providing the horse does not thrash around and/or roll. • Remove all feed and prevent your horse from eating until the cause of colic is determined and your veterinarian has a plan of action. • Have a game plan in place when your horse needs to be transported to a clinic for further treatment. • If your horse is insured, understand the specifics of your policy and who to contact if necessary.
If you have questions about this vaccine brand name transition, please contact your Merck Animal Health sales representative.
1
Data on file. Merck Animal Health
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Merck Animal Health
BUSINESS TIPS
T
ackling one of our industry’s most pressing subjects, the 2018 Merck Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Study, conducted in collaboration with the American Veterinary Medical Association, definitively quantifies the prevalence of mental illness and stress in the veterinary profession in comparison to previous studies and the general U.S. population.2
This first-of-its-kind nationally representative study of U.S. veterinarians across all sectors of the profession aims to shine a light on the issues of mental distress and suicide among veterinarians. Take heart and download Healthy Strategies for Veterinary Wellbeing for you and your practice. Volk, J., Lord, LK, Strand, E. et al. Executive summary of the Merck Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Study. JAVMA May 15, 2018, Vol. 252, No.10, Pages 1231-1238. https://doi.org/10.2460/ javma.252.10.1231 2
THE MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH VETERINARY WELLBEING STUDY The Merck Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Study is the first nationally representative study of U.S. veterinarians across all sectors of the profession designed to definitively quantify the prevalence of mental illness and wellbeing in the profession and compare the findings to the general U.S. population.
1. OVERALL, VETS ARE NO DIFFERENT COMPARED TO THE GENERAL POPULATION IN TERMS OF MENTAL HEALTH, HOWEVER, YOUNGER VETS ARE STRUGGLING PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS CONSISTENT WITH GENERAL POPULATION
MORE PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN YOUNGER VETS Distressed
Not Distressed
5.3%
8.6%
9.1%
94.7%
91.4%
90.9%
Age: 18-34
Total
5.3%
4.7%
94.7%
95.3%
U.S. Veterinarians MAH Wellbeing Study
35-44
Employed General Population PSID
2. WELLBEING MOVES BEYOND MENTAL HEALTH AND IS A MORE HOLISTIC LOOK AT HOW ONE FEELS ABOUT LIFE WELLBEING VARIES BY AGE Suffering
Getting By
11.7%
46.9%
Flourishing 12.3%
41.4%
Age: 18-34
50.0%
37.7%
35-44
7.9%
10.3%
52.8%
36.9%
64.0%
45-54
2.0% 15.9% 28.1%
55-64
82.1%
65+
In terms of gender, for veterinarians age 45-64, men on average exhibit higher levels of wellbeing than women
VETERINARIAN WELLBEING SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN GENERAL POPULATION
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PARTNERS IN PRACTICE | Winter 2018 9.1%
7.3%
Age: 18-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
In terms of gender, for veterinarians age 45-64, men on average exhibit higher levels of wellbeing than women
VETERINARIAN WELLBEING SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN GENERAL POPULATION 7.3%
9.1%
58.3%
U.S. Veterinarians MAH Wellbeing Study 2017
32.6%
61.2%
31.5%
Employed General Population PSID
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO LOW WELLBEING
Student debt
Working long hours
Lack of healthy activities
Low income
3. THE MAJORITY OF VETERINARIANS WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THE PROFESSION ONLY 41% OF VETERINARIANS RECOMMEND A CAREER IN VETERINARY MEDICINE
No
Yes
Not sure
26%
13%
17% 51%
41%
33%
64.0%
49%
70%
Physicians - 2016
General Population
Veterinarians
FURTHER, THE MAJORITY OF YOUNGER VETERINARIANS WOULD ALSO NOT RECOMMEND THE PROFESSION
24 percent
age 34
Only of veterinarians and younger would recommend a career in veterinary medicine
THE MAH VETERINARY WELLBEING STUDY IS THE FIRST NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE STUDY OF U.S. VETERINARIANS IN ALL SECTORS OF THE PROFESSION ON BOTH MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING. Methodology In partnership with the AVMA, 20,000 randomly selected veterinarians were contacted via email with an invitation to participate in the study. 3,540 usable, completed responses (17.7%) were collected. Data was weighted based on age, gender and region of the U.S. The margin of error is +/- 1.62% at 95% confidence level.
The Research Team University of Toronto
University of Tennessee CVM
Merck Animal Health
Kynetec Market Research
Brakke Consulting
WWW.VETWELLBEING.COM Copyright © 2018 Intervet Inc., d/b/a Merck Animal Health, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. US/COR/0318/0010.
Winter 2018 | PARTNERS IN PRACTICE
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Did You Know?
TEN YEARS AGO, MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH AND AAEP INTRODUCED THE UNWANTED HORSE VETERINARY RELIEF CAMPAIGN.
T
en years ago, at the AAEP annual convention in San Diego, Merck Animal Health and AAEP introduced the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign. Earlier this month at the AAEP convention in San Francisco, the 10-year anniversary of the campaign was celebrated with a special recognition ceremony acknowledging the veterinarians who have made the program possible. Below are a just a few of the thank you messages we’ve received from rescues recognizing the veterinarians who have supported them over the years.
“Since the early 2000’s, Dr. Flaherty has been providing compassionate, competent medical care for horses in the MSSPA herd. Her pivotal role in obtaining donated vaccines from the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign for the rescue horses has helped maximize use of the shelter’s finite resources. Rachel has not only cared for its horses, she is a tireless networker who helps connect horses seeking homes with her clients who may be seeking horses.” Meris Bickford, CEO, Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, honoring Dr. Rachel Flaherty – a 10-year supporter of the UHVRC “I’m not sure there are enough words. Dr. Newell is a very private and humble individual who gives so much to so many. She has provided our horses with extraordinary care and has
“I cannot imagine this journey without you… Brook Hill Farm
been a moral compass for many of our long-term decisions.
would never have gotten to the premier level of care for its
She deserves so much thanks for her empathy, her wit, her
horses without you — nor would the staff here have learned
professionalism and her true love for horses.”
so much! Without you, most of the horses we have treated
Laura Pallavicini, Executive Director, Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center, honoring Dr. Victoria Newell
would never have been given a chance. Your care of these horses, for so many years… is a true labor of love for the horses you have served.” Jo Anne Miller, Executive Director, Brook Hill Farm, honoring Dr. Ronald Fessler – a 10-year supporter of the UHVRC “The UHVRC has been a godsend to Begin Again Horse Rescue. Dr. Dwyer has been a great source of information, professionalism, and research on all the cases we come across at the rescue. Her opinions are very highly regarded, and she gives advice with experience and compassion. Dr. Dwyer also is an advocate for our rescue.” Jennifer Lilly, Vice President, Begin Again Horse Rescue, honoring Dr. Ann Dwyer – a 10-year supporter of the UHVRC
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PARTNERS IN PRACTICE | Winter 2018
See firsthand how the UHVRC is making a difference.
10-Years Making a Difference The UHVRC is a nonprofit partnership between Merck Animal Health and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), established in 2008. The program provides qualifying equine rescue and retirement facilities with vaccines for horses in their care, to help protect against: • West Nile Virus • Eastern/Western encephalomyelitis • Tetanus • Rabies • Influenza • Herpesvirus
BY THE NUMBERS 28,000+ horses
vaccinated to date... and counting
T H A N K YO U
“The vaccines that we receive from Merck Animal Health help us ensure the horses we adopt out are up-to-date on shots. It also gives credibility to our rescue that our horses are treated just like the top-quality horses you see at a show barn.” Andrea Mena, Vice President Drifter’s Hearts of Hope Franktown, CO
for choosing Merck Animal Health vaccines—every vaccine purchase goes toward supporting the UHVRC. To learn more about how the UHVRC is helping horses or to get involved, please visit UHVRC.org.
300+
rescue and retirement facilities in
million+
in Merck Animal Health vaccine donations
900+
member veterinarian supporters
InBox
42 U.S. states
2,000+
applications received
2 Giralda Farms • Madison, NJ 07940 • merck-animal-health-usa.com • 800-521-5767 Copyright © 2018 Intervet Inc., d/b/a/ Merck Animal Health, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. 18-MERCK-390-UHVRC-INFOGRAPHIC
“Our herd of horses are the most important animals in our lives. These horses provide so much support, guidance, strength and opportunities for empathy to our students, volunteers, staff and the public. We are deeply grateful that your team recognizes the need for centers, such as ours, to receive financial support to help in their care.” Laura Pallavicini, Executive Director Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center Tobaccoville, NC
Meet the Veterinary Professional Services Team
D. CRAIG BARNETT, D.V.M. Paola, Kansas craig.barnett@merck.com
Q&A Tell us a little bit about your horse background. Horses have always been a big part of my life. My grandparents had horses and my father was a farrier and a bit of a horse trader. If you were a horse, what type of horse would you be? What I would like to be is either a ranch versatility Quarter Horse or a Thoroughbred racehorse, but, what I most likely would be is an old nag turned out to pasture. Best horse advice you’ve ever received? “Recognize the smallest change, the slightest try.” – Ray Hunt Best veterinary advice you’ve ever received? Be very observant of subtle body language and behavior of the horse as this often provides key insights. Outside of the equestrian world, what is your favorite hobby? Not sure I really have any non-equine related hobbies. During my free time, I enjoy working around my little ranch in Kansas. We also enjoy entertaining guests (family and friends).
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PARTNERS IN PRACTICE | Winter 2018
How long have you been working for Merck Animal Health? I’ve been with the company for 26 years. What is your favorite part of being on the equine veterinary professional services team? Having the opportunity to work with such an incredible group of professionals who I have always admired, and I now consider family. If there were one thing you would want your customers to know about you, what would it be? I’m not sure that I am deserving of the many wonderful gifts God has granted me. I hope my sincere appreciation is recognized.
Meet the Veterinary Professional Services Team
DUANE CHAPPELL, D.V.M Owingsville, Kentucky duane.chappell@merck.com
Q&A Tell us a little bit about your horse background. My horse background began riding with our local veterinarian and learning the ropes of good horsemanship. If you were a horse, what type of horse would you be? A summer camp ministry horse that brings new excitement, joy and hope to young riders. Best horse advice you’ve ever received? A racehorse that costs $1 is not cheap! Best veterinary advice you’ve ever received? Equine practice is hard work but brings great satisfaction.
How long have you been working for Merck Animal Health? Five years as a contractor and employee. What is your favorite part of being on the equine veterinary professional services team? Bringing solutions to problems. If there were one thing you would want your customers to know about you, what would it be? People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Outside of the equestrian world, what is your favorite hobby? Outdoor activities with family and friends.
Winter 2018 | PARTNERS IN PRACTICE
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Ron's Corner
RON ’S C OR N E R Volume 4
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PARTNERS IN PRACTICE | Winter 2018
Dear Veterinarian Partner, The holiday season is a time for thanks. Allow me to start there — with a sincere thank you for being our partner and entrusting us with your equine veterinary product solutions. We take this trust very seriously and at no time will we ever jeopardize the trust you’ve placed in us.
an example of how we’re innovating to advance the health of the horse. We’re trying to do things differently, and sometimes that comes with a few setbacks. But know this — we’ll get this right and restore a full supply of vaccine to meet your needs.
Everything we do at Merck Animal Health is focused on delivering innovative, safe and effective product solutions to veterinarians and horse owners, and we set very high standards for ourselves in delivering on that promise. Occasionally, we experience product supply shortages, which occurred this year with select vaccine products. We have and continue to work fervently toward a solution.
While we may temporarily be without certain vaccines, we are prepared with solutions to meet specific antigen combination needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or your sales representative to learn more. We are here to help you work through this temporary shortage.
The PRESTIGE line of vaccines is a great line — one you can trust for safety and efficacy. And the new flu strains are
Thank you for sticking with us. We understand your frustrations, and acknowledge our shortcomings. We are committed to the equine industry and will continue to bring solutions and
new science to advance the health of the horse. The wait will be worth it. On behalf of our entire team, we wish you a wonderful Holiday Season with family and friends. I’ll leave you with a mantra inspired by our veterinary professional services team: May we all live with a sense of purpose and passion and tackle each day with hope, responsibility and balance. And remember, your tribe from Merck Animal Health is behind you every step of the way.
Ron McDaniel Director, U.S. Equine Sales Merck Animal Health
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The Science of Healthier Animals 2 Giralda Farms • Madison, NJ 07940 • merck-animal-health-equine.com • 800-521-5767 Copyright © 2017 Intervet Inc., d/b/a/ Merck Animal Health, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. 3768-EQUINE-PIP-NEWSLETTER.