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

1. A NEWSLETTER OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS
AUGUST 2003 VOLUME 1, NUMBER 1
Roles and Responsibilities
in Flea Control*
In January 2003, the veterinary specialists below met during the North American Veterinary
Conference in Orlando, Florida, to discuss emerging flea-borne diseases, some strategies for preventing
infestations, and ways to improve owner compliance with appropriate therapy. The following are
excerpts from this roundtable discussion.
Edward Breitschwerdt, DVM, DACVIM Steven Hansen, DVM, MS, DABVT
North Carolina State University University of Illinois
Raleigh, North Carolina Urbana, Illinois
Michael Dryden, DVM, MS, PhD Keith Hnilica, DVM, MS, DACVD
Kansas State University University of Tennessee
Manhattan, Kansas Knoxville, Tennessee
Introduction real threat to the health and well-being of espousing preventive flea control wth the
Within the past decade, techno- companion animals. Failure to properly use of insecticides and insect growth
logically advanced flea products for dogs protect our pets can lead to a variety of regulators (IGRs) my entire career.
and cats have significantly reshaped the illnesses, some of which may be life
way veterinarians and pet owners threatening. Edward Breitschwerdt, DVM: Flea
approach common ectoparasites. Today’s infestation has certainly taken on a
flea products have set new performance With regard to flea control, what
standards, including broader-spectrum are the pathogenic and infectious
disease ramifications beyond their
IN THIS ISSUE:
activity, longer duration of protection
(even after water immersion or bathing), direct effects on the pet? Roles and Responsibilities
pet-friendly application enhancements, Michael Dryden, DVM, MS, PhD: in Flea Control........................... 1
and more information for veterinarians We have seen an apparent increase in a
and pet owners. However, even with variety of vector-transmitted diseases. Not Mosquitoes, Companion
these major strides, these pests remain a only are some of these diseases pathogenic Animals, and West Nile Virus
in our pets, but many of them are also Update for 2003......................... 4
*This article is excerpted from Roles and
zoonotic in nature. When we look at flea
Responsibilities in Flea & Tick Control:
control, it is far more important to take a
Ask the Vet ................................ 7
A Veterinarian’s Guide, a supplement to
Veterinary Forum, Vol. 26, No. 6, 2003. preventive approach. I have been Veterinarian of the Year ............. 8

2. whole new dimension with the discovery Steven Hansen, DVM, MS: Clearly, A NEWSLETTER OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS
of Bartonella and Rickettsia spp and one of the most significant misuses is that
AUGUST 2003 VOLUME 1, NUMBER 1
other organisms in fleas. In areas where of permethrin dog-only products on cats.
cats have extensive flea exposures, Thus, we emphatically emphasize to
Consulting Editors
anywhere from 33% to 100% will owners how critical it is to read and
Albert Ahn, DVM
become actively infected with these follow the label directions. Permethrin
Corporate Vice President
organisms in their blood. use on cats can be lethal. Chief Scientific Officer
It is easy to study an infectious The Hartz Mountain Corporation
disease that is acute, such as Rocky What might be some effective
Bruce Truman
Mountain spotted fever, because the strategies that encourage owners
Divisional Vice President
clinical course is a 2- to 3-week period. to read the labels? Animal Health and Nutrition
But with the organisms that are Dryden: Because the newer parasiticides The Hartz Mountain Corporation
transmitted by fleas, the time of are very effective and generally safe when
transmission to the onset of disease used appropriately, many practitioners HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM is
produced for The Hartz Mountain
could be months to years. have gradually ignored the educational Corporation by Veterinary Learning
process. We need to return to effective Systems, 780 Township Line Rd.,
client education. The first application Yardley, PA 19067.
Which emerging flea-borne diseases
should practitioners be aware of? every year is an opportunity to show Copyright © 2003 The Hartz Mountain
owners again how to properly administer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Breitschwerdt: The Bartonella spp are
currently the most important emerging flea products. Hartz® is a trademark of The Hartz Mountain
flea-transmitted infectious agents. Only Labels need to state in a concise Corporation.
two Bartonella spp were known to exist manner the importance of preventing a Printed in U.S.A. No part of this publication may
before 1992, and today there are 20 specific disease. We can educate from an be reproduced in any form without the express
efficacy standpoint that if owners follow written permission of the publisher.
recognized species.
label instructions, they are preventing For more information on The Hartz Mountain
disease not only in their pets but in the Corporation, visit www.hartz.com.
Given that prevention is such entire family.
a key strategy in the control Dear Veterinarian
of flea-related diseases in Hnilica: Based on conversations and Animal Health
both the pet and human with veterinarians, most of Care Provider:
populations, we need to the feline permethrin-
consider the appropriate related toxicities were in Welcome once again to the NEW
use of flea products. cats that had not routinely Hartz! In this inaugural issue of Hartz
Dryden: There are two been to the veterinarian Companion AnimalSM, we continue our
facets to appropriate use— but in fact were presented focus on a renewed commitment to
when the products should be on an emergency basis as your practice and the veterinary profes-
used and proper application. a first-time patient. For a sion as a whole.
Often, an inappropriate use of products variety of reasons, including cost, In the following pages we will share
is reactive medicine—that is, reacting to some owners choose to use over-the- with you information on the pharma-
visible evidence—and appropriate use of counter (OTC) products without a cology of flea products and updates on
products is preventive medicine. complete understanding of the relative mosquitoes and West Nile virus. You
risks because they simply do not read will also find some information about
Keith Hnilica, DVM, MS: We are in an the label. our Veterinarian of the Year contest.
era in which even the least effective of the It is difficult to educate owners who Lastly, we will provide you with a close
commonly used flea products is effective are purchasing OTC products and failing look at one of the many products that
enough to control most infections when to seek veterinary guidance. Hartz® has to offer.
used as indicated on the label, especially if We hope you enjoy reading the
they are used year-round. Certainly, one Hansen: Every practitioner selling flea next few pages and find the informa-
of the most common causes attributed to products needs to have a warning printed tion helpful.
transient flare-up of flea allergy dermatitis on the customer receipt stating that the
is the lack of regular application of flea label should be read or the product Sincerely,
products. should not be used in certain situations.
Albert Ahn, DVM
2 HARTZ COMPANION ANIMAL
® SM
• AUGUST 2003 • VOL. 1, NO. 1

3. What should practitioners do when MICHAEL DRYDEN, DVM, MS, PhD, ON A PRACTICAL
a patient has an adverse reaction to INTEGRATED FLEA CONTROL PROGRAM FOR PET OWNERS
a product used off-label?
Hansen: If the pet owner calls before I Educate pet owners on important aspects of the four-stage flea life cycle. Typically, a flea
presenting the animal, it is critical for population is made up of approximately 50% eggs, 30% larvae, 15% pupae, and only 5%
staff to emphasize the importance of biting adults. Completion of the life cycle from egg to adult often varies from 2 weeks to
bringing the product package with the 2 months. Adult cat fleas cannot survive or lay eggs without a blood meal, but once it is
pet because treatment will depend not feeding on a dog or cat, the female can lay 20 to 40 eggs per day and up to 2,000 in a
only on the pet’s clinical signs but also on lifetime. If groomed from the host, egg production ceases and fleas die within 24 to 48
the product’s active ingredient. Second, hours. Newly emerged previously unfed adult fleas, however, can live 1 to 2 weeks if a blood
practitioners need to take an extensive meal is not obtained. The optimum temperature range for survival is 70˚F to 85˚F at an
history and complete physical exam- optimum humidity of 80%.
ination. I also encourage them to consult
I Provide pet owners with the following recommendations for mechanical control procedures.
an expert, such as technical service
Flea populations can be monitored quite simply. Use a flea comb, recording the number of
veterinarians at pharmaceutical
fleas caught each day to determine whether the flea population is increasing or decreasing.
companies, specialists in diagnostic
Vacuum carpets and furniture frequently using a vacuum with good suction and discarding
laboratories, or the ASPCA Animal
the vacuum cleaner bag. Discard or wash the pet’s bedding. Also, sweep and mop floors,
Poison Control Center, which is open 24
especially under beds and in closets. If infestation is severe, steam clean all furniture, carpet-
hours. In addition, practitioners can
ing, and pet bedding to help kill fleas and eliminate debris that feeds larval fleas. If possible,
access online information at Veterinary
make the rooms as cool and dry as possible, which will help slow down flea development and
Information Network (www.vin.com), the
allow flea larvae to desiccate. Be sure to vacuum thoroughly in low-traffic areas, such as along
Network of Animal Health
the edges of walls, in corners, under furniture, and behind doors—flea larvae tend to survive
(www.avma.org/noah), and the ASPCA
best in these locations. Also, regularly wash bedding and rugs that the pet lays on. To control
Animal Poison Control Center
fleas outdoors, apply approved insecticides, such as cyfluthrin, in shaded areas where pets
(www.apcc.aspca.org).
frequent. Always allow treated areas to dry several hours before allowing the pet and people
access into treated areas.
What are our treatment options and
objectives for flea control? I Suggest that pet owners follow mechanical control procedures with an approved application
Dryden: We need to continue to use of an adulticide and insect growth regulator (IGR) to the pet. After implementing mechani-
IGRs because we recognize that if the fleas cal procedures, administer an effective adulticide–ovicide combination to your dog or cat.
cannot be killed at least you can prevent The ovicidal component may be an insecticide with ovicidal activity or an IGR specifically
them from laying eggs. We need to be designed to suppress reproduction. Since adulticides are never 100% effective, the ovicidal
careful about resistance. I am not sure any action ensures that surviving fleas cannot produce viable eggs. A product or a combination of
of us can anticipate how long these products that provides both adulticidal and ovicidal activity can markedly benefit flea control
products are going to be effective, so we efforts and delay development of resistance to flea products.
should avoid making long-term forecasts.
Hansen: We must constantly remember owners unsurpassed protection options. support and information on specific
that all flea products can result in adverse It is critical that the product be applied products. The product label lists a
reactions following both approved and in accordance with label directions to telephone number for contacting
unapproved applications. Adverse optimize performance and help prevent support staff. Company web sites may
reactions are much more likely to occur, adverse reactions. In the event that a pet also be available.
however, following misuse, including has a reaction, owners should be As effective as today’s products are,
overapplication and application on an strongly encouraged to consult their researchers are continuing to pursue new
inappropriate species. Therefore, local veterinarian or contact a local technologies in prevention, diagnosis, and
veterinarians must continue to educate emergency veterinary hospital or animal treatment. Over the centuries, fleas have
pet owners on proper use of flea products poison control center. It is important shown a remarkable ability to adapt. This
in strict accordance with label directions. that the original packaging be retained ability coupled with the emergence of
so that product identification can be mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus
Conclusion made. Manufacturers typically have a serve as continuous reminders of the
Fortunately, the present generation of technical services or consumer relations importance of actively developing new
flea products offers veterinarians and pet department that can provide additional solutions to protect our pets.
HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • AUGUST 2003 • VOL. 1, NO. 1 3

4. Mosquitoes, Companion
Animals, and West Nile Virus
Update for 2003
Jamie Snow, DVM, and Mike L. Bunning, DVM
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases
Arbovirus Diseases Branch
Atlanta, Georgia
With summer well under way, we see Transmission Humans are not the only species that
increasing mosquito activity and cannot Mosquitoes are the primary vehicle for can become infected with WNV; it is
help but think of West Nile virus (WNV). the transmission of WNV to humans and known to cause serious disease in horses
WNV was first diagnosed in the United animals. Viremic mosquitoes carry the and many species of birds.2 The clinical
States in 1999 in New York State and virus in their salivary glands and infect attack rate of infected horses has been
quickly spread across the country, with 44 species they feed on. WNV has been estimated at 8% to 10%.13,14 WNV
states recording viral activity by the end isolated from at least 36 species of infection in previous outbreaks caused
of summer 2002.1 mosquitoes in North America8; Culex inapparent disease in avian populations;
WNV is a zoonotic disease requiring a pipiens is considered the primary vector.3,9 however, high avian mortality rates in
mosquito vector. The virus maintains One important aspect of the transmission both wild and captive birds have been the
itself in nature by cycling between of WNV from birds to other species is norm with the strain recently introduced
mosquitoes and birds. Birds are known host-feeding preference. Many species of into the United States.15 Limited research
amplification hosts; the majority of mosquitoes feed exclusively on birds and has also been conducted to determine the
viremic birds sustain an infectious viremia are therefore able to maintain the virus in seriousness of WNV in other species,
for 1 to 4 days, allowing uninfected nature. Other mosquitoes do not feed including our animal companions,
mosquitoes that subsequently exclusively on one species but are particularly dogs and cats.
feed on them to become indiscriminate or opportunis- This research has demonstrated that
infected.2 Other mammals tic feeders. These mosqui- domestic dogs and cats are susceptible to
and reptiles are generally toes are known as bridge infection by WNV.16 A study done in
considered incidental hosts vectors, because they can Louisiana following an epidemic in 2002
because they do not achieve transmit the virus from by Kile, et al., demonstrated that dogs
effective levels of viremia to birds to other animals, have a higher rate of seroconversion than
infect mosquitoes.3 including humans. cats. Seroprevalence in dogs was approxi-
WNV is transmitted to In the United States, WNV mately 25%, versus approximately 9% in
humans primarily by infected was initially diagnosed in humans, cats.17 However, the fact that dogs and
mosquitoes that feed on them, but other but that diagnosis was preceded by cats can become infected with WNV
methods have been documented, widespread reports of dead birds in New does not mean that they will necessarily
including laboratory exposures,4 York City.10 WNV infection causes a rare, become clinically ill.
consumption of infected breast milk, occasionally lethal, meningoencephalitis Like humans, dogs and cats that
infected blood products received during in less than 1% of human cases. The most become infected with WNV most
transfusion, and organ transplantation.5 A common clinical aspect in humans is a commonly have an inapparent infection.18
single human case of transplacental mild, self-limiting febrile illness, which The only clinical sign noted in dogs
transmission has also been documented.6 occurs in approximately 20% of experimentally infected with WNV was a
To date, there is no documented human seropositive human infections, but myopathy so mild that it was detected by
case of WNV acquired directly from an typically humans have an inapparent an elevated creatine kinase value on
infected animal.7 infection.11,12 blood-chemistry analysis.19 In a limited
4 HARTZ COMPANION ANIMAL
® SM
• AUGUST 2003 • VOL. 1, NO. 1

5. study by Austgen, et al., cats exhibited a diagnosis when used conjointly with Nile Virus Questions and Answers. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/
mild clinical disease that lasted 2 to 4 clinical signs that are consistent with qa/transmission.htm; accessed June 30, 2003.
days.18 Signs were non-neurologic and WNV infection. At present, no commercial 8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
included lethargy, a moderate decrease in ELISA for detecting IgM/G antibody in Provisional surveillance summary of the West Nile
virus epidemic—United States, January–November
appetite, and a mild febrile response.18 dogs or cats exists. 2002. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rpt
In rare cases, dogs and cats with severe 51(50):1129–1133, 2002.
neurologic disease similar to that seen in Treatment 9. Turell MJ, O’Guinn M, Oliver J: Potential for New
York mosquitoes to transmit West Nile virus. Am J
birds, horses, and humans have been Currently, there is also no definitive Trop Med Hyg 62(3):413–414, 2000.
determined to be infected with WNV. treatment for WNV other than 10. Marfin AA, Petersen LR, Eidson M, et al:
Immune-compromised animals are at a supportive care. The best method for Widespread West Nile virus activity, Eastern
higher risk for more serious sequelae.19 preventing WNV infection in humans United States, 2000. Emerg Infect Dis
7(4):730–735, 2001.
From 2000 through 2002, the Centers for and companion animals is limiting 11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) exposure to mosquitoes. Research has Weekly update: A serosurvey for West Nile
ArboNet, the national electronic demonstrated a positive correlation Virus infection in New York and Connecticut
counties, 2000. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly
surveillance system established by the between an increase in the amount of Rpt 50:37–39, 2001.
CDC to assist states in tracking WNV time an animal spends outdoors and an 12. Mostashari F, Bunning ML, Kitsutani PT, et
and other mosquito-borne viruses, increase in the rate of seroconversion to al: Epidemic West Nile encephalitis, New
York, 1999: Results of a household-based
reported 3 WNV-positive cats and 7 WNV.16,17 Following is a list of seroepidemiological survey. Lancet
dogs.20 However, the importance of WNV recommendations developed by the CDC 358(9278):261–264, 2001.
infection in dogs and cats should be kept to reduce the risk of exposure: 13. Joubert L, Oudar J, Hannoun C, Chippaus M:
Reproduction experiméntale de la meníngeo-
in perspective. The number of human
I Eliminate areas of standing water encephalomyelite du cheval par l’arbovirus
cases of WNV infection reported in 2002 West Nile. 3. Relations entre la virolgie, la
around the house, i.e., drain standing
was 4,156 compared to 7 canine cases and serologie et l’evolution anatomy-clinique.
pools, clean gutters, and empty bird- Consequeces epidemiologiquest et
1 feline case reported in the same year.21
baths. prophylactiques. Bull Acad Vet Fr 159–167,
Current research results indicate that 1971.
dogs and cats do not play an important role I Minimize outdoor activities at dawn 14. Bunning M, Bowen R, Cropp B, et al:
as amplifier hosts for WNV and therefore and in the early evening. Experimental infection of horses with West
Nile virus. Emerg Infect Dis 8(4):380–386,
do not play an important role in its I For humans only, wear long-sleeved 2002.
maintenance in nature.18,19 From a public shirts and pants when outdoors and 15. Kramer LD, Bernard KA: West Nile Virus
health perspective, this indicates that infection in birds and mammals. Am NY Acad
apply insect repellent, according to Sci 951:89–93, 2001.
companion animal owners are unlikely to labeled directions, to exposed skin 16. Komar N, Panella N, Boyce E: Exposure of
have an elevated risk for infection with and clothing.22 domestic mammals to West Nile virus during
WNV due to pet ownership. an outbreak of human encephalitis, New York
City, 1999. Emerg Infect Dis 7(4):736–738,
References 2001.
Diagnosis 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: West 17. Kile J, Panella N, Chow C, et al: West Nile
Nile Virus Statistics, Surveillance, and Control.
Diagnosis of WNV in a dog or cat Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/
virus serosurvey of domestic canines and
felines during an epidemic—Louisiana, 2002.
should be based on clinical signs with dvbid/westnile/surv&control03Maps02.htm;
Unpublished data.
supportive serology. Other neurologic accessed June 20, 2003.
18. Austgen LE, Bowen RA, Bunning ML, et al:
2. Komar N: West Nile virus encephalitis. Rev Sci
diseases should be included in the Tech 19(1):166–176, 2000.
Experimental infection of cats and dogs with
differential diagnosis (e.g., other arboviruses West Nile virus: Mosquito-borne and oral
3. Hayes CG: West Nile fever, in Monath TP (ed): transmission. Unpublished data.
and rabies). A fourfold increase in serum The Arboviruses: Epidemiology and Ecology, vol V.
19. Blackburn NK, Reyers F, Berry WL,
Boca Raton, FL, CDC Press, 1989, pp 59–88.
neutralization titer (PRNT) between Shephard AJ: Susceptibility of dogs to West
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
appropriately timed acute and convalescent Nile virus: A survey and pathogenic trial. J
Laboratory-acquired West Nile virus infections:
Comp Path 100(1):59–66, 1989.
serum samples is diagnostic for WNV.2 United States, 2002. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly
Rpt 51(50):1133–1135, 2002. 20. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Other tests that can be helpful in ArboNet unpublished data.
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
diagnosing WNV in companion animals Update: Investigations of West Nile virus infection 21. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
include a positive polymerase chain in recipients of organ transplantation and blood West Nile Virus Update, Current Case Count.
transfusion. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rpt Available at http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/
reaction (PCR) on serum or tissue samples 51(37):833–836, 2002. media/wncount.htm; accessed June 18, 2003.
and immunohistochemistry (IHC). These 6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 22. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
two diagnostic tests will not provide a Intrauterine West Nile virus infection—New York, West Nile Virus Questions and Answers.
2002. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rpt Available at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/
definitive diagnosis of WNV disease by 51(50):1135–1136, 2002. dvbid/westnile/qa/prevention.htm; accessed
themselves but can provide a confirmatory 7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: West June 15, 2003.
HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • AUGUST 2003 • VOL. 1, NO. 1 5

6. Only a scientist would notice that
something so attractive to humans could be
so repulsive to fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.
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 other
monthly topical brand. Maybe that’s why pets find it so attractive. Even if they don’t have the slightest clue what it is.
Our veterinarians and PhDs offers veterinarians an effective,
test it. Independent companies lower-cost alternative to rec-
test it. Then the government ommend to your clients. Vet-
tests the tests. erinary offices around the
country have already begun
It borders on obsession,
dispensing it, with the goal
we admit. But to our highly
of reducing the percentage of
respected staff veterinarians unprotected pets. After all, for
and PhDs, relentless testing is those who care about animals’
an integral part of developing well-being, any percentage of
new pet products. unprotected pets is too high.
Take Hartz Advanced We’re as committed to pets
Care Brand® Plus+, for as you are. Really.
instance. First we subjected At Hartz, we’ve
it to a series of highly sophisticated Chrysanthemum made a strong
tests in our state-of-the-art laboratory. promise to help
Then, we gave it to independent 50% of pets go without flea & tick pets become healthier and happier,
companies, which did extensive studies protection. (It’s not their fault.) by continuing to introduce innovative,
out in the field. Finally, we submitted scientifically proven products. Perhaps
A client brings their flea-infested pet
it to government agencies for review, just as importantly, we’re making a
into your office. You prescribe a
earning a stamp of approval for commitment to veterinarians as well,
treatment for them. And then they
effectiveness on both dogs and cats. by listening closely to your concerns
leave without it.
and striving to be a better partner.
Even after all of that, we’re still You’re not alone. According to the But don’t just take our word for
constantly testing new formulas, American Pet Products Manufacturers it. Call our Consumer Relations
trying to find an even better Association®, over half of all pets aren’t Department at 1-800-275-1414 and
flea, tick and mosquito getting treated for fleas & ticks,* partly ask to talk to a Hartz veterinarian,
treatment. It’s an because their owners can’t afford the who will gladly share with you all
obsession, remember? leading brand. Which is why Hartz the progress we’ve made recently.
*American Pet Product Manufacturers Association 2001-2002 National Pet Owners Survey

7. Albert Ahn, DVM, is a veterinarian, Chief Scientific Officer
and Corporate Vice President at The Hartz Mountain Corporation.
ASK TH E VET
Q
Why is Hartz sponsoring this newsletter?
Hartz is your partner in animal health. We share
Q Does Hartz still sell permethrin topical spot flea and tick
products in the United States? I have heard and seen
the outcome when unknowing pet owners accidentally
the same goal. According to the American Pet apply a permethrin product to their cat.
A
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 A Hartz has discontinued the manufacture of
permethrin topical spot products for the U.S.
market. Hartz believes that the risk of accidental
your practice. They are able to afford annual
application to cats is too great and there are better
vaccinations, and maybe the ever-important
alternatives available to pet owners. Hartz is
heartworm preventative, but that’s all they can
continuously evaluating new technologies and
afford. Should we deny these pets the flea and tick
innovations in the area of ectoparasite control.
protection they require? Even one unprotected pet Please consider that there are several other
is too many. Hartz offers an affordable means for companies that still manufacture and sell
those pet owners to obtain the protection they so permethrin-based topical flea and tick products.
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.
Q Your dewormer product, Hartz® Health measures®
Once-a-Month Wormer, contains piperazine. What
steps has Hartz taken to offer pet owners more
Through our advertising and promotional efforts
broad-spectrum protection?
we are encouraging all pet owners to visit their
A
veterinarian at least two times per year, and we Hartz® recently introduced Hartz® Rid WormTM
encourage pet owners to seek out their (pyrantel pamoate) Chewable Flavored Dog Wormer
veterinarian for recommendations on appropriate Tablets. Pyrantel pamoate has a wonderful history in
products that they should use to maintain and the veterinary community of providing dogs with
improve the health of their pet. protection from roundworms and hookworms. This
product will replace our existing formulations in order
to offer pet owners a higher level of protection.
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.
HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • AUGUST 2003 • VOL. 1, NO. 1 7

8. Veterinarians Get a “Thank You” From Their
Clients by Being Nominated for the Hartz
Veterinarian of the Year Contest
For the past 77 years, Hartz has celebrated the Human– Cat Fancy®) to bring pet owners the “Veterinarian of the Year”
Animal Bond, and as veterinarians you are instrumental in Contest. This contest gives pet owners the opportunity to
fostering this very important relationship between people nominate their veterinarian as the Hartz “Veterinarian of the
and their pets. “The veterinary health care professional Year.” Pet owners can write in and tell Hartz why they feel
supports the Human–Animal Bond by providing both their veterinarian is deserving of this honor. Prizes being
valuable information and professional services to pet owners,” awarded include one Grand prize ($1,500 in cash and $500
says Bob Devine, president and CEO of Hartz. “Regular visits worth of Hartz® products plus $5,000 in cash for the winning
to the veterinarian will help maintain good health in pets. veterinarian) and two First Runner Up prizes ($750 in cash
Hartz is proud to sponsor a contest which recognizes the and $250 worth of Hartz® products plus $2,500 in cash for
veterinarian’s role in the Human–Animal Bond.” the winning veterinarian).
Pet owners get a chance to say “thank you” for emergency Entry forms and official contest rules are published in the
visits and calm reassurances by nominating their vet for the September issue of Dog Fancy and Cat Fancy magazines. This
Hartz Veterinarian of the Year contest. This year, Hartz has is a chance for pet owners to let veterinarians know just how
teamed up with Fancy Publications® (Dog Fancy® and much their care and concern has meant over the years.
Veterinary Learning Systems PRESORTED STANDARD
780 Township Line Road U.S. POSTAGE
Yardley, PA 19067
PAID
BENSALEM, PA
PERMIT #118