natasha.joseph@merial.com

Jennifer Ryan                                    

DULUTH, GA. — March 18, 2009 — Horse owners can hold their parasite control to a higher standard — their own approval. Now, all ZIMECTERIN® (ivermectin) Brand Products are backed by a satisfaction guarantee, helping to ensure the highest standard of parasite control from some of the industry’s most trusted products: ZIMECTERIN and ZIMECTERIN Gold (ivermectin/praziquantel).

“Horse owners have long trusted ZIMECTERIN Brand Products to help control potentially harmful parasites,” says Frank Hurtig, DVM, MBA, director, Merial Veterinary Services. “Now, they can be assured that their parasite control choice is backed by a 100% Product Satisfaction Guarantee. No one wants to risk their horse’s health — or their hard-earned money.”

Any horse owner who is not satisfied with the level of parasite control achieved by using ZIMECTERIN or ZIMECTERIN Gold may be eligible for product reimbursement or refund by simply calling 1-888-MERIAL-1, option 3. To qualify, ZIMECTERIN or ZIMECTERIN Gold must have been used as directed on the label within 30 days prior to claiming the guarantee. The product must have been purchased within the last six months from a veterinarian or an authorized retail outlet. Proof of purchase is required.

“With all the parasite control products available today, it’s important to choose a product you trust,” Dr. Hurtig says. “Don’t take chances with one of the most fundamental aspects of horse health care. Serious problems, like colic, weight loss and poor coat condition,¹ can occur when parasites are not adequately controlled.”

In fact, some research suggests that 80 percent of ileal impaction colic cases are associated with tapeworms.² Plus, tapeworm infections can cause a potentially life-threatening condition known as intussusception, which is the telescoping of the intestine into itself.³

However, many products currently on the market do not control tapeworms.⁴

 
ZIMECTERIN Gold is one of the few parasite control products on the market today that does, and it is more than 99 percent effective in eliminating the common tapeworm Anoplocephala perfoliata in horses.4 Plus, ZIMECTERIN Gold treats more species and stages of parasites, including tapeworms, than any other brand.^4,5

For full details of the satisfaction guarantee, call 1-888-MERIAL-1, option 3.

Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 5,400 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2008 sales were over $2.6 billion. Merial Limited is a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc. and sanofi-aventis. For more information, please see www.merial.com.

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Warning: Not for use in humans. Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children. There have been rare reports of swelling and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue following administration of ZIMECTERIN Gold. These reactions have been transitory in nature. Do not use in other animal species as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may result.

¹American Veterinary Medical Association. What you should know about internal parasites in horses, 2003.

²Proudman CJ, Trees AJ. Tapeworms as a cause of intestinal disease in horses. Parasitology Today 1999;15(4):156-158.

⁴Based on data provided in FDA Freedom of Information summaries.

⁵Based on data provided on the ZIMECTERIN Gold product label.

®ZIMECTERIN is a registered trademark of Merial Limited. ã2009 Merial Limited. Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. LAGEZIM845(03/09)