Bayer to distribute microchip; release dewormer
Shawnee, Kan. - Bayer HealthCare, Animal Health Division, announced that it reached an agreement for U.S. distribution rights for Switzerland-based Datamars' ISO-approved microchips and scanners for companion animals and horses.
SHAWNEE, KAN. — Bayer HealthCare, Animal Health Division, announced that it reached an agreement for U.S. distribution rights for Switzerland-based Datamars' ISO-approved microchips and scanners for companion animals and horses.
Datamars manufactures RFID technology for animal and industrial applications.
"Bayer Animal Health is committed to partnering with veterinarians as they care for animals. One of our company's overarching goals is to help ensure the health and well-being of the animals served by our products, and with this acquisition, we add a powerful tool for reuniting pets and families," says Joerg Ohle, president and general manager of Bayer HealthCare, Animal Health Division, North America.
Under federal legislation passed in 2005, the United States Department of Agriculture is developing regulations that allow for a universal standard that best serves the interests of pet owners (see related story). The Coalition for Reuniting Pets and Families, which includes The Humane Society of the United States, American Animal Hospital Association, The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, American Kennel Club Companion Animal Recovery, American Veterinary Medical Association and numerous other agencies, has called for the distribution of scanners capable of reading all microchips.
Scanner availability is being facilitated as organizations like Bayer Animal Health and The Crystal Import Corp. donate thousands of ISO scanners to non-profit shelters across the country. These scanners are capable of reading or detecting 134.2 kHz and 125 kHz microchips.
Bayer officials say the company will release a new microchip in the fall.
New dewormer
Bayer Animal Health announces the launch of Drontal(r) Plus Taste Tabs(r) (praziquantel/pyrantel pamoate/febantel), a deworming treatment for dogs.
The Food and Drug Administration-approved tablets are indicated for removal of tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia pisiformis, Echinococcus granulosus, and removal and control of Echinococcus multilocularis), hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala), roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) and whipworms (Trichuris vulpis).
Bayer recently found that 89.3 percent of dogs readily ate Drontal Plus Taste Tabs in an unaided palatability test. They are beef-flavored and bone-shaped, offering an owner-friendly, easy-to-administer alternative to other medications.
"Bayer Animal Health is committed to finding easier ways for veterinarians and pet owners to administer medications," says Joe Hostetler, DVM, manager of Veterinary Services for Bayer Animal Health.
- Pyrantel causes an increase in neuromuscular activity, causing paralysis of the parasite, while febantel disrupts the parasite's energy supply.
- A third ingredient, praziquantel, breaks down the integument of tapeworms.
A single-dose treatment is sufficient for comprehensive deworming of dogs, but a follow-up dose is recommended per veterinarian's protocol for deworming products.
Drontal Plus Taste Tabs should not be used in pregnant animals, dogs weighing less than 2 pounds or puppies less than 3 weeks of age, the company reports.
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