AAEP-Merck Animal Health initiative surpasses 20,000 doses since inception
More than 180 non-profit equine rescue and retirement facilities in the United States recently received 3,200 complimentary doses of core vaccines through the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign (UHVRC).
Supported in partnership by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and Merck Animal Health, the UHVRC has delivered more than 21,000 free vaccines to horses in need since its inception in December 2008.
“The complimentary vaccines from the UHVRC enable us to serve our community and meet the standard of healthcare that our horses deserve,” said Cara Zehnder, co-founder of Rescued Dreams Ranch in North Canton, Ohio. “I appreciate Merck Animal Health and the AAEP removing this expense from our plate.”
The UHVRC provides qualifying equine facilities with vaccines to protect against eastern equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, equine rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1 and EHV-4), West Nile Virus, equine influenza, tetanus and rabies. To qualify for donated vaccines, facilities must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, follow the AAEP Care Guidelines for Equine Rescue and Retirement Facilities, and work with an AAEP-member veterinarian to submit an application.
The program distributes vaccines once per year; the next application deadline is Feb. 1, 2017. To learn more about the program or download the application, visit www.uhvrc.org.
About AAEP
The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its over 9,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry. For more information, visit www.aaep.org.
About Merck Animal Health
Today’s Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals™, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter at @MerckAH.
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