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October 7, 2016 3:05 pm ET

First Vaccine to Offer Protection Against Both Strains of Canine Influenza

Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United
States and Canada, today announced that the U.S. Department of
Agriculture has approved a license for Nobivac^® Canine Flu
Bivalent vaccine – the first vaccine to aid in the control of disease
associated with both canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N2 and canine
influenza virus H3N8.

“Merck Animal Health has a rich history of vaccine development supported
by a wealth of expertise, as well as a deep commitment to bringing
innovative products to market that truly impact the health and
well-being of animals,” said KJ Varma, BVSc, Ph.D., senior vice
president, R&D, Merck Animal Health. “Our new bivalent canine influenza
vaccine will simplify protection against this disease and is a
tremendous example of our ongoing pursuit of the science of healthier
animals and our dedication to providing veterinarians with new medicines
and vaccines to advance optimal pet care.”

CIV H3N2 was identified last year in the United States following
multiple outbreaks throughout the country. Since cases were first
reported in March 2015, dogs in more than half of the United States¹
have been stricken by this respiratory disease. CIV H3N8 was first
diagnosed in 2004 and has impacted dogs in more than 40 states.

“Dogs at risk for CIRDC (canine infectious respiratory disease complex)
should be vaccinated at least yearly with both influenza strains, H3N8
and H3N2, in addition to the other causes of ‘Canine Cough’,” said
Ronald Schultz, Ph.D., professor of pathobiological sciences at the
University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. “The occurrence
of one strain or the other is unpredictable and so dogs should be
protected against both. Because dogs do not maintain long duration of
immunity against influenza, it is important to vaccinate them annually.”

According to clinical studies by researchers at the University of
Wisconsin, the CIV H3N2 may be shed for an extended period of time – up
to 24 days, which is far longer than what is seen with CIV H3N8.² As
a result, the infection can spread quickly among social dogs in inner
cities, doggie daycares, boarding facilities, dog parks, sporting and
show events and any location where dogs commingle. Clinical signs of
both strains of CIV in dogs include coughing, fever, lethargy and
interstitial pneumonia,³ and can be spread by direct contact
with respiratory discharge from infected dogs, through the air via a
cough or sneeze and by contact with contaminated objects, such as dog
bowls and clothing or by people moving between infected and uninfected
dogs.² The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) notes there is no evidence of transmission of the virus from dogs
to people.

Nobivac Canine Flu Bivalent is recommended for healthy dogs 7 weeks of
age or older as an aid in the control of disease associated with canine
influenza virus H3N8 and canine influenza virus H3N2. Primary
immunization requires two vaccinations given two to four weeks apart.
Annual revaccination with one dose is recommended.

“Our commitment to animal health runs deeper than simply providing safe,
high-quality products to our customers,” said Kathleen Heaney, D.V.M.,
executive director, companion animal technical services, Merck Animal
Health. “It’s also our responsibility to help educate pet owners about
potential health threats and the factors that put dogs at risk. We are
actively collaborating with veterinarians to share information about CIV
and the importance of prevention through vaccination, as well as sharing
simple precautionary measures pet owners can take to help protect the
health of their animals.”

To learn more about CIV and the educational outreach initiative, visit doginfluenza.com
and doginfluenza.com/ifthisdogcouldtalk.asp.

About Merck Animal Health

For 125 years, 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,
Facebook
and Twitter at @MerckAH.

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“company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of
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Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs
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respect to pipeline products that the products will receive the
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statements can be found in the company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K
and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

¹Canine Influenza H3N2 Updates. Cornell University College of
Veterinary Medicine website. https://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/news/civchicago.cfm.
²Updates
in Canine InfluenzaVirus: Management, treatment and prevention of
disease. VETgirl Webinar, July 27, 2015. Archived at www.vetgirlontherun.com.
³Kang
et al., H3N2 Canine Influenza Virus Causes Severe Morbidity in Dogs with
Induction of Genes Related to Inflammation and Apoptosis, Veterinary
Research 2013,44:92.

Merck
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kelly.goss@merck.com
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