Lyon, France – April 18, 2014 – Merial, the animal health division of Sanofi, today announced that the company is a sponsoring partner of the first-ever FEI (International Equestrian Federation) equine Comparative Symposium, hosted by the 34th FEI World Cup™ Finals event. This prestigious FEI competition brings together the world’s best riders and horses, this year in both jumping and dressage, and takes place April 17-21, 2014 in Lyon, France, Merial’s global headquarters location. Representing the United States are 11 riders competing in jumping and two riders competing in dressage. During the Symposium, several speakers will present and discuss the overall theme of Equine and Human Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation and Traumatology, a topic of specific interest to equine veterinarians dealing with competition and high performing horses.
“Merial is honored to partner in this global equestrian event in support of performance horses, equine veterinarians, trainers, owners, and riders worldwide”, said Carsten Hellman, Merial’s CEO. “Protecting the health and well-being of all types of horses through innovative pharmaceutical products and vaccines is an important part of Merial’s business, and we are committed to ongoing research and scientific innovation to help address unmet health needs for horses.”
Merial’s commitment to equine healthcare began more than 30 years ago when the company launched a first-of-its-kind equine antiparasitic product, which was a major innovation in equine health. Merial has continued its path of prevention and advances in healthcare for horses in the areas of equine influenza and West Nile virus vaccines, pain management and prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers. Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS), is a painful, potentially life-threatening condition that can affect horses of all ages, breeds and disciplines.1The chances of a horse developing a gastric ulcer is more than one in three, and nearly two in three performance horses could be suffering from gastric ulcers.2-4
The 34th LONGINES FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final is comprised of 50 riders and horses who qualified from jumping competitions in various leagues from several continents over a 10-month period. The 29th REEM ACRA FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final includes 18 riders and horses who qualified from four dressage leagues throughout the world. This year, the competition will combine both the finals of jumping and dressage. Merial applauds all of the riders and trainers for their persistence and hard work – as well as their commitment to the health and well-being of these animals — and congratulates them on making it to these world finals.
References
- Radostits OM, et al. Veterinary Medicine: A textbook of the diseases of cattle, horses, sheep, pigs and goats. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co.; 2007:237-241.
- Murray MJ, Grodinsky C, Anderson CW, Radue PF et al. Gastric ulcers in horses: A comparison of endoscopic findings in horses with and without clinical signs. Equine Vet J 1989;7(suppl):68-72.
- Mitchell RD. Prevalence of gastric ulcers in hunter/jumper and dressage horses evaluated for poor performance. In: Proceedings of the Association of Equine Sports Medicine Annual Meeting 2001.
- Nieto JE, Snyder JR, Beldomenico P, Aleman M, Kerr JW, Spier SJ. Prevalence of gastric ulcers in endurance horses – a preliminary report. Vet J 2004 Jan;167(1):33-37
About Merial
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 6,200 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide withclose to €2 billion of sales in 2013. Merial is a Sanofi company. More info on www.merial.com
