Saving a million puppies from parvo aim of new multi-year campaign

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The “Defend Puppies. Defeat Parvo.” campaign was introduced during the Veterinary Meeting Expo (VMX) in Orlando, Fla. (From left: Dr. Jennifer Miller, technical veterinarian with Elanco; Dr. Fred Metzger, Dr. Kristin Zersen, Dr. Jennifer Merlo, and Dr. Alycia Eisenstein, members of the task force.)

There is hope.

This is the message surrounding “Defend Puppies. Defeat Parvo.,” the new campaign launched today by Elanco Animal Health Incorporated at the Veterinary Meeting Expo (VMX) in Orlando, Fla.

The company’s multi-year mission aims to combat a virus, which, without timely care, can see a mortality rate of up to 91 percent.1 Approximately 900 dogs in the U.S. are diagnosed with parvo daily, predominantly unvaccinated puppies.2 Elanco’s research shows only 44 percent of dog owners are familiar with parvo, with 20 percent lacking awareness.3 The campaign recognizes the crucial need for widespread education among pet owners.

The “Defend Puppies. Defeat Parvo.” also looks to increasing veterinarians’ access to the first and only U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conditionally approved treatment for parvo–Elanco’s Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody.

The campaign includes the following efforts:

  • Newly established Elanco’s Defenders Fund offers up to $1 million in rebate incentives from Elanco to veterinarians who purchase the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody. This can help veterinarians treat more parvo cases, with the ability to track their rebates via myElanco rewards.
  • The formation of Parvo Defenders Task Force, made up of industry leaders and advocates who will champion activities throughout the year to bring awareness to parvo and treatment options. Parvo Defenders Task Force members will also serve as advisors, sharing their insight into pain points associated with diagnosing and treating parvo.
  • A grassroots campaign that enlists and empowers dog owners, veterinarians, and pet lovers to take the “Defend Puppies. Defeat Parvo.” pledge to stop puppies from dying of parvo. This comes with a promise to do their part to save a million puppies by 2030 by spreading the word.

“Parvo doesn’t have to be a death sentence. Our innovative treatment for parvovirus can help veterinarians and pet owners alleviate the emotional toll associated with parvo,” says Dr. Jennifer Miller, technical veterinarian with Elanco.

“We give them a chance,” says Dr. Fred Metzger, task force member, at the “Redefining the Protocol for Parvo Treatment” panel discussion at VMX 2024, citing how veterinarians would be equipped to handle and care for parvo patients with the treatment. “I’m hoping that the canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody will become the standard of care,” he adds.

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References

  1. Sykes, JE. Canine Parvovirus Infections and Other Viral Enteritides. Canine and Feline Infectious Diseases. 2014:141-151
  2. Elanco Animal Health. Data on File.
  3. Elanco Animal Health. Market Data on File.
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