Supported in partnership by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and Merck Animal Health, the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign (UHVRC) recently provided 3,200 doses of vaccines to protect horses from eastern equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, equine rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1 and EHV-4), West Nile Virus, equine influenza, tetanus and rabies.

With its 2017 allotment, the UHVRC has delivered more than 25,000 doses of core vaccines to protect horses in need since its inception in 2009.

The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA), which rehabilitates and rehomes horses seized by Maine law enforcement officials due to neglect or abuse, is among the 175 non-profit equine rescue and retirement facilities to receive complimentary vaccines this year.

“The costs associated with the care of more than 50 equines sheltered here are tremendous,” said Meris Bickford, CEO of MSSPA. “The generous donation of core vaccines made by Merck Animal Health and the AAEP will help us keep the animals in MSSPA barns healthy and the associated expenses under control.”

To qualify for donated vaccines, facilities must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, follow the AAEP Care Guidelines for Equine Rescue and Retirement Facilities, and work with an AAEP-member veterinarian to submit an application.

The program distributes vaccines once per year; the next application deadline is Feb. 1, 2018. To learn more about the program or download the application, visit www.uhvrc.org.

About AAEP

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its over 9,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry. For more information, visit www.aaep.org.

About Merck Animal Health

For over a century, Merck has been a global health care leader working to help the world be well. Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals™, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter at @MerckAH.

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