Intervet/Schering-Plough works with AAEP to donate vaccine

MILLSBORO, DEL. — Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) are launching a nonprofit program that will provide vaccines to qualified equine rescue and retirement facilities nationwide starting this year.

They're calling it the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign (UHVRC), unveiled during a press luncheon at last month's AAEP convention in San Diego.

Through the UHVRC, the company will donate equine vaccines to qualifying rescue and retirement facilities twice a year to provide health care aimed at revitalizing and finding homes for many unwanted horses.

Facilities will be selected to receive complimentary vaccines based on a completed application, compliance with AAEP Care Guidelines for Rescue and Retirement Facilities, 501(c) tax-exempt status, their need, the potential impact on horses' lives and the manner in which the facility is managed.

AAEP veterinarians will work with facilities in submitting applications, a facilities checklist and equine vaccine order form.

Three of Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health's equine vaccines will be donated through the UHVRC: one for West Nile Virus, one for rabies and one for flu strains, EHV, EEE, WEE and tetanus.

Also, a portion of the company's vaccine sales starting last month are going to support the program.

DVMs and facility owners can download an application form, the AAEP guidelines and learn more at www.uhvrc.org.