Singapore, Jun 25, 2009: Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, a global player in veterinary biologicals, announced the availability of the first vaccine against canine influenza virus (CIV), which was granted a conditional product license by the US Department of Agriculture (DA), for use by veterinarians in the US.

On May 27, 2009, the vaccine was granted a conditional license by the US DA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which, through its Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB), evaluates data supporting product purity, product safety under normal conditions of use in field safety trials and demonstration that the product has a reasonable expectation of efficacy. During the conditional license period, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health will continue to submit data obtained in support of the product's performance, which will be evaluated by government regulators to determine whether a regular product license may be issued.

Canine Influenza Vaccine, H3N8 has been demonstrated to reduce the incidence and severity of lung lesions, as well as the duration of coughing and viral shedding. The vaccine, made from inactivated virus, is intended as an aid in the control of disease associated with canine influenza virus infection, a type A, subtype H3N8. It is administered by subcutaneous injection in two doses, two to four weeks apart. It may be given to dogs six weeks of age or older and can be given annually as a component of existing respiratory disease vaccine protocols to ensure more comprehensive protection.

"Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection that has a significant impact on dogs housed in shelters, kennels and communal facilities. The availability of a vaccine can help prevent the medical, financial and emotional costs associated with this new virus," said Dr Cynda Crawford, University of Florida, Clinical Assistant Professor of Shelter Medicine.