More than 8,100 rescued and retired horses are vaccinated against dangerous diseases through the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign, a veterinary assistance program supported by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and Merck Animal Health.

Now in its third year running, the campaign has provided complimentary vaccinations to equine rescue and rehabilitation facilities in an effort to help restore and re-home American’s unwanted horses. More than 500 equine facilities have applied for vaccinations through the UHRVC since it began in 2009. Donated vaccinations have protected horses against diseases including West Nile virus, rabies, tetanus, rhinopneumonitis and influenza. 

Equine facilities are required to coordinate an application for the UHVRC with an AAEP-member veterinarian. Facilities must adhere to the AAEP’s Care Guidelines for Equine Rescue and Retirement Facilities and be registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. To download an application and the AAEP Care Guidelines or to learn more about the UHVRC program, visit: www.uhrvc.org 

Merck is a global healthcare 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. Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges 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. 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 

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, the AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its nearly 10,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry. 

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