Veterinarian-Diverted Vectra 3D™ Addressed

February 8, 2008, Fort Lee, N.J. – This week, Ceva identified the first instance of a veterinarian who was diverting its veterinary exclusive Vectra 3D™ flea and tick product. This situation, where product was found available for sale on a popular...

February 8, 2008, Fort Lee, N.J. – This week, Ceva identified the first instance of a veterinarian who was diverting its veterinary exclusive Vectra 3D™ flea and tick product. This situation, where product was found available for sale on a popular website targeting pet owners, is a clear violation of the Company’s anti-diversion policy.

Ceva, after confirming the identity of the California veterinarian, swiftly implemented corrective action against this individual. By utilizing the proprietary Ceva Bloodhound™ track and trace technology, the company was able to immediately pinpoint where the violation had occurred. Within six hours of legal notification to the veterinarian, the diverted product was no longer available for sale.

“I am delighted that our Bloodhound track and trace technology provided us with rapid identification which allowed us to pursue immediate action against this individual who appears to have willfully violated our signed anti-diversion contract and placed our product outside the veterinary channel for sale,” stated Julia Stephanus, Vice President, Global Companion Animal Marketing for Ceva. "Vectra 3D and all Vectra products are exclusively dispensed by licensed veterinarians. We will not tolerate product diversion because it undermines the relationship between veterinarians and pet owners and raises questions about product integrity.”

“Veterinary response across the country has been unanimously positive about Ceva’s commitment to the profession,” stated Dr. Albert Ahn, Senior Director of Veterinary Services. “Over the years, veterinarians have expressed their concerns to me that companies were unwilling or unable to stop unauthorized product diversion. The veterinarians I have spoken with are genuinely impressed with the commitment that Ceva has made. One of the core principles upon which our company was founded was the commitment to ensure that our products are developed and made available exclusively through licensed veterinarians. By securing our supply chain, we are able to protect the veterinary professional, maintain authenticity of our products, and enhance the role of veterinarians in the lives of the animals they treat,” continued Dr. Ahn.

“We will remain vigilant for future instances of product diversion. Our goal is to keep companion animal health exactly where it belongs — in the hands of professionals. The terms of our Anti-Diversion Agreement strictly prohibit the sale of Vectra 3D outside of the veterinary-client-patient relationship. This agreement explicitly states that sales outside of this relationship will result in legal action against the identified veterinary diverter and any third parties involved in that diversion,” continued Julia Stephanus.

The Vectra 3D™ triple-action topical ectoparasiticide formula is available to pet owners only through licensed veterinarians. Vectra 3D is available in four different sizes: for dogs and puppies over 7 weeks of age weighing 2.5 to 20 pounds; 21 to 55 pounds; 56 to 95 pounds, and for dogs over 95 pounds.

Vectra 3D for Dogs is available to veterinarians through Ceva and Abbott Animal Health sales representatives, as well as from the following distributors: Associated Medical Supply, Great Western Animal Health, Midwest Veterinary Supply, Inc., Merritt Veterinary Supplies, Inc., Henry Schein Animal Health, NLS Animal Health, Northeast Veterinary Supply Company (NEVSCO), PCI Animal Health, Sanum Puerto Rico, and Victor Medical Company.

About Ceva Animal Health: Ceva’s key companion animal products include the Vectra® line of parasiticides, D.A.P.® and Feliway® pheromone behavior aids and Senilife® neuroprotection for aging pets.  Ceva Biomune’s key poultry products include CEVAC® Transmune IBD, Vectormune® FP and Vectormune® HVT.  Ceva Biomune Campus and the North America Zone headquarters are both located in Lenexa, Kansas.  Visit www.ceva.us.

About Ceva Santé Animale: Ceva’s parent company is a global veterinary health company focused on the research, development, production and marketing of pharmaceutical products and vaccines for pets, livestock, swine and poultry.  Its headquarters is in Libourne, France. Visit www.ceva.com.

For more information, please contact Carolyn Gilliland at carolyn.gilliland[at]ceva.com or 913.945.4448.

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