March 26, 2009, Seville, Spain

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Leading experts in veterinary and human medicine, parasitology and meteorology gathered for the 4th Symposium of the CVBD (canine vector-borne disease) World Forum, today, issued a plea for veterinarians and dog owners to be more vigilant about protecting their pets from diseases spread by ectoparasites, or vectors, as global temperatures increase across the seasons.

Speaking at the CVBD Symposium in Seville, Spain, Professor Peter Irwin, School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Western Australia, an expert in parasite-transmitted diseases of companion animals in Australia and South East Asia, explains: “Ongoing climate change and the increased movement of dogs through travel and importation have enabled the spread of parasites and vectors, which are now finding niches in regions where they were never found before. For example, the brown dog tick that transmits one of the pathogens that can cause canine babesiosis was once considered endemic only in tropical and subtropical climates but is now appearing in cooler climates.”

It has been estimated that average global temperatures will have risen by 1.0-3.5°C by 2100,1 increasing the likelihood of many CVBD in new areas, as well as extending the period for which many parasites are active during the year.

Professor Edward Breitschwerdt, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, USA, says: “It is important that veterinarians help dog owners to fully understand the implications of climate change, increased pet mobility and exposure to vector-borne organisms. Dog owners should be made aware of the seriousness of vector-borne infectious diseases and advised on how to prevent them, especially as infectious parasites now present a health risk in some parts of the world all year-round.”

Professor Irwin added: “Implementing a preventative solution routinely that not only kills but also repels ectoparasites presents the most effective choice for reducing the risk of CVBD transmission and helps to protect the health of pet and owner.”

Other topics discussed and presented during the three-day symposium in held in Spain – a country endemic for all major CVBD present in the Mediterranean region – included the latest research and findings on infectious ectoparasites from around the world as well an update on regional activities of the CBVD World Forum.

“Through ongoing research and the accumulation of our scientific knowledge in animal health, particularly in parasitology, we will be better equipped to identify new disease threats and quickly work to effectively address them, advancing today’s animal healthcare to meet the challenges of an evolving world”, commented Margaret Fairhurst, Head of Global Marketing, Bayer Animal Health. Bayer is committed to play an active role in climate protection and started a Groupwide climate program end of 2007. It comprises several measures aimed at reducing CO2 emissions at production facilities and coping with the consequences of climate change.

About The CVBD World Forum
The CVBD World Forum is a working group of leading experts in natural sciences, veterinary and human medicine from Europe, North America, Latin America, Australia and Asia. It was founded during the 1st International CVBD Symposium in April 2006 in Billesley, UK, as a consequence of the increasing global threats through canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD). The main goal of the CVBD World Forum is to exchange knowledge and findings about ectoparasite-pathogen-host interaction as well as the characterisation and assessment of the distribution of pathogens and vectors in order to increase awareness for the specific regional risks of CVBD and to foster preventative measures. This work is supported by Bayer HealthCare, Animal Health Division.

About Bayer HealthCare
Bayer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. The company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Bayer Schering Pharma, Consumer Care and Medical Care divisions. Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Find more information at www.bayerhealthcare.com. With a turnover of EUR963 million (2008) Bayer HealthCare’s Animal Health Division is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of veterinary drugs. The division manufactures and markets more than 100 different veterinary drugs and care products for livestock and companion animals.