Fleas and Ticks and Mosquitoes! Oh My!

Use Vectra 3D(R) for Dogs and Sing a Different Tune This Summer

FORT LEE, N.J., April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Don't let nasty parasites prevent you
from enjoying the outdoors with the family dog this summer. As the weather
warms, pet owners need to protect their pets against parasites such as ticks,
fleas, mosquitoes, sand flies, mites and lice that can transmit vector-borne
diseases. Vectra 3D(R) for Dogs is an advanced monthly topical vectoricide
that goes beyond traditional flea and tick products.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090429/NY07684 )

Many might think these are just pesky bugs, but these common parasites and the
diseases they may carry are putting more dogs at risk than ever. Vectra 3D(R)
protects dogs in multiple ways against six common parasites -- fleas, ticks,
mosquitoes, sand flies, mites and lice. Any of these parasites may cause
discomfort in the form of scratching and irritation, and may transmit diseases
to dogs, some quite serious or even fatal. The incidence of these parasites
and vector-borne diseases is on the rise throughout the United States.
Suburban sprawl and increased deer populations continue to spread vector-borne
diseases that could be transmitted to pets and humans, such as Lyme disease,
Rocky Mountain spotted fever and bartonellosis.

According to Denise Kobuszewski, DVM, Summit VetPharm Veterinary Services
Manager, "Our family dog is an important member of the family. As our
companions, they accompany us not only on the daily jog, walk or hike, but
also on vacations where their exposure to tick-borne diseases is increasing.
It is important to provide the best monthly protection for our dogs, as well
as annual screenings for tick-borne diseases."

Vectra 3D(R) features a triple-action formula that provides quick killing of
fleas in 2 hours and is proven to kill adult fleas within 6 hours, while
controlling all immature stages of the flea life cycle (eggs, larvae, pupae).
Vectra 3D repels and kills ticks, including those that transmit Lyme disease
and Rocky Mountain spotted fever; repels and kills mosquitoes, including those
that transmit West Nile virus; and repels and kills sand flies, lice and mites
that may cause leishmaniasis, severe dermatitis, and 'walking' dandruff. When
applied monthly to dogs, the Vectra 3D(R) quick-drying formula keeps on
working, even after bathing or swimming.

"Fleas can be difficult to control because the majority of the flea life
stages, approximately 95 percent, thrive as eggs, larvae and pupae," according
to Professor Byron Blagburn, PhD, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn
University. "The combination of a flea adulticide with an insect growth
regulator (IGR) that controls immature flea stages is a real advantage,
because it works more effectively, with less resistance. Year-round protection
is advised."

Anemia, flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), skin infections, bartonellosis,
tapeworm and tularemia are just some of the diseases associated with fleas.
Fleas multiply rapidly, and can survive in pet beds, carpets, floors,
furniture, closets and other dark corners of a home. Just one female flea can
lay 20-50 eggs a day, which can add up to thousands and a full-blown
environmental infestation.

Vectra(R) vectoricides protect pets and helps keep households free from
parasites and the diseases they may carry. Available only through licensed
veterinarians, Vectra(R) products feature a patented applicator design that
makes topical application easy, clean and accurate. This one-step applicator
allows pet owners to easily get through the pet's fur and ensures the product
is properly administered on the skin.

This summer pet owners are encouraged to ask their veterinarian for Vectra
3D(R) and feel confident that they are giving their pet protection against a
broad range of parasites. Vectra 3D(R) is available in four dose sizes for
dogs and puppies over 7 weeks of age and ranging in weight from 2.5 lbs to
over 95 lbs.

For more information, ask your veterinarian about Vectra 3D(R), or visit
www.summitvetpharm.com for more details about the entire family of Vectra(R)
vectoricides.

Summit VetPharm
Founded by veterinarians and experienced industry professionals, Summit
VetPharm is committed to protecting the health and welfare of both companion
animals and companion animal veterinary practices. Based in Fort Lee, New
Jersey, Summit VetPharm is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sumitomo
Corporation and part of the Sumitomo Corporation group of companies. For more
information, visit Summit VetPharm at www.summitvetpharm.com.

SOURCE Summit VetPharm

Jewelle Yamada, +1-212-207-0574, or Vanessa Goldschneider, +1-212-207-0567,
both of Sumitomo Corporation of America, for Summit VetPharm