Merial Announces Partnership with NAVTA for Heartworm Prevention

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May 09, 2014, 09:00 ET

DULUTH, Ga., May 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Merial announced its partnership with the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), as a part of its commitment to year-round prevention against heartworm disease in dogs. Through awareness, education, membership and engagement, Merial and NAVTA hope to increase the number of pets protected from heartworm disease.

"NAVTA's commitment to provide education and support for our members aligns with Merial's goal of educating dog owners about the importance of year-round heartworm disease prevention," said Julie Legred, CVT, the executive director of NAVTA. "It's all about the ultimate goal of getting more dogs protected from heartworm disease."

To complement this partnership and bolster conversation around heartworm disease prevention, Merial has issued its "10 Day Challenge" to foster conversation at the clinic level with pet owners around heartworm prevention. As part of the challenge, participating practices are encouraged to recommend heartworm disease preventives to each client for 10 consecutive days and, ideally, everyday thereafter. This challenge builds on the success of previous campaigns from Merial, such as The Power of 12, which reinforce the importance of adhering to year-round heartworm disease prevention.

As an organization that is committed to being part of the decision making process that impacts their vet tech members, NAVTA will play a key role in the execution of this initiative.

"Veterinary technicians are on the front lines of educating pet owners about how to care for their pets, and that includes reinforcing veterinarians' recommendations on heartworm disease prevention," said Sarah Cloud, marketing director for HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel). "Merial is proud to partner with NAVTA to create new programs to help support the veterinary technician."

For assets such as video, logos, and more, please visit http://merial.newslinevine.com.

To learn more about NAVTA, visit www.navta.net.

To learn more about the 10 Day Challenge, visit www.veterinaryteambrief.com

About The Power of 12 Program
The Power of 12 program is designed to empower veterinary clinics with the necessary tools to provide year-round heartworm disease prevention to more dogs. Clinics that join the Power of 12 will receive staff and client education materials, valuable coupons for clients, and tools to increase the number of pets receiving monthly heartworm disease preventives. For more information, please visit www.joinpowerof12.com

Important Safety Information:
HEARTGARD^® is well tolerated. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program. Following the use of HEARTGARD, digestive and neurological side effects have rarely been reported. For more information, please visit www.HEARTGARD.com.

About Merial
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 5,600 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2012 sales were more than $2.8 billion.

Merial is a Sanofi company.

For more information, please visit www.merial.com.

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SOURCE Merial