DULUTH, Ga., April 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Merial, the animal health division of  Sanofi, today announced the availability of its RECOMBITEK® C8 vaccine, a nonadjuvanted combination vaccine that helps protect dogs from the four common leptospirosis serovars and several core canine diseases in a combination injection. It is the only vaccine that prevents leptospirosis and leptospiruria (shedding) for three serovars*. With the addition of this vaccine, Merial further extends its canine vaccine portfolio and further solidifies its position as a leader in vaccine production.

"Vaccinations are the cornerstone of preventive healthcare for pets," Jessica Bayer, Director, Merial U.S. Pet Vaccine and Therapeutics.  "RECOMBITEK C8 provides veterinarians with a long-lasting option from Merial and enables them to offer customers a comprehensive^† leptospirosis vaccine to protect dogs year-round against the rising threat of the disease. We are committed to working with vets and pet owners to innovate solutions to help their cherished canine companions live happier, healthier, longer lives."

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection affecting humans and animals. It is typically spread through direct contact with an infected animal, or more commonly by exposure to water sources contaminated by the urine of an infected animal. Dogs, even those kept primarily indoors, are especially at risk because of their increased exposure to potentially contaminated water (i.e. lakes, puddles, dew, etc.), soil and wildlife (i.e. raccoons, squirrels, opossums, etc.).  Responsible pet ownership, including vaccination, helps pet owners protect their pets from this devastating disease. 

RECOMBITEK C8 and RECOMBITEK 4 Lepto are the only vaccines that:

• prevent leptospirosis caused by Leptospira canicola, L. grippotyphosa, and L. icterohaemorrhagiae and aids in the prevention of L. pomona*; and
• prevent dogs from shedding bacteria into the environment after exposure*; and
• provide more than 15-month duration of immunity**.

Merial has a 20-year history of offering advanced recombinant vaccine technology to help protect dogs from canine distemper and Lyme disease.

RECOMBITEK C8 is recommended for the vaccination of healthy dogs nine weeks and older for protection from the four common leptospirosis serovars and several of the core canine diseases.

®RECOMBITEK is a registered trademark of Merial. ©2016 Merial, Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved.
RMBTKC8PR1_R1 (04/16)

*Indicated  for  the  prevention  of  leptospirosis  and  leptospiruria  caused  by  L.  canicola,  L.  grippotyphosa and  L. icterohaemorrhagiae and as an aid in the prevention of leptospirosis and leptospiruria caused by L. ponoma.

^†Indicated to help prevent prevent leptospirosis caused by Leptospira canicola, L. grippotyphosa, and L. icterohaemorrhagiae and aids in the prevention of L. pomona*; help prevent dogs from shedding bacteria into the environment after exposure; and provide more than a 15-month duration of immunity

**L. grippotyphosa

About Merial
Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products that focus on disease prevention and overall health and wellness in animals, Merial has three main business areas: pets, farm animals, and veterinary public health, and our health solutions target more than 200 diseases and conditions across a variety of species. Merial employs 6,900 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide with over €2.5 billion of sales in 2015. Merial is a Sanofi company. For more information, please see www.merial.com; @Merial  

Merial Media Relations
Demitra Wilson
Head of Merial North America Communications
+1 678 638 3625 demitra.wilson@merial.com

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SOURCE Merial

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