Regular vaccinations, deworming and farrier visits can help prevent damaging and costly diseases. As your partner in equine health care, Merial, the maker of Zimecterin® Gold (ivermectin/praziquantel) is offering a free horse health record available at select veterinary clinics and retailers nationwide.

This durable resource helps record important contact information, feeding schedules, vaccinations, deworming dates, farrier visits and Coggins test results. These fundamental, preventive horse health care steps can help ensure good overall horse health. Plus, the record offers administration tips for paste dewormers, like Zimecterin Gold.

“Recording routine health care items is essential, and it can help prevent problems before they even occur,” said Dr. Frank Hurtig, DVM, MBA, Director, Veterinary Services at Merial. “For example, we know that serious problems, such as colic, can occur when parasites are not adequately controlled. A basic horse health record is a simple and effective tool that can help prevent bigger health challenges.”

According to a recent survey of more than 1,000 horse owners, 26% used a purge dewormer less than twice per year. What’s more, tapeworm infections can be difficult to detect.

More than half of horses in a survey had tapeworms, and tapeworms aren’t the only parasite threat. Other internal parasites can infect horses, such as strongyles and bots. Using a broad-spectrum dewormer that includes tapeworm control, like Zimecterin Gold, can help control these potentially damaging parasites.

Small steps like deworming and vaccinating at regular intervals recommended by your veterinarian can help maintain optimal health. This spring, ask your veterinarian or retailer for a free Zimecterin Gold horse health record and make sure that no fundamental horse health care needs are overlooked. Accurate records serve as a reminder of the importance of good health care throughout the year.

Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs more than 5,000 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2007 sales were nearly $2.5 billion. Merial Limited is a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc., and sanofi-aventis. For more information, please see www.merial.com.