ISSUE NO. 2 | Summer 2020
MAGAZINE
POWER UP YOUR TEAM’S DEWORMING EXPERTISE Free CE gives your technicians tools and deworming know-how to bring more value to your clients —and your practice
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PANACUR POWERPAC
RON'S CAMPFIRE
Product Information for Technicians
The Virtual Barn Party
NEW VETERINARIAN WELLBEING STUDY
PARTNERS IN PRACTICE | Summer 2020
Results and Resources
Featured
POWER UP YOUR TEAM’S DEWORMING EXPERTISE Free CE gives your technicians tools and deworming know-how to bring more value to your clients—and your practice
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ome horse owners may think a deworming program is as simple as making a purchase at the farm and feed store. You and your team know the truth: To be effective, parasite control protocols must be customized to the horse’s age, lifestyle and environment, plus account for the spectrum and duration of activity of the three major classes of anthelmintics for horses. Your practice’s team plays a critical role in helping horse owners understand the importance of strategic deworming.
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There are not any resistance-breaking classes of dewormers on the horizon for use in horses, so it is crucial for you and your team to encourage horse owners to cooperatively develop customized parasite control programs. The challenge is to offer a comprehensive parasite control program that incorporates fecal egg count (FEC) testing into a farm-wide, herd-based program that combines chemical and non-chemical control strategies. To prep your technicians and help you guide horse owners in the right deworming direction, Merck Animal Health has partnered with the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians (AAEVT) to introduce a FREE twopart continuing education series. By completing the two modules, qualifying technicians will earn one hour of CE credit and learn the following practical information: • Most common equine internal parasites • Dewormer classes • FEC testing and interpretation • Insights on resistance
• Rotational vs. strategic deworming • Real-world scenarios Participants who complete both modules will receive the following tools to incorporate deworming into client conversations: • Farm deworming checklist • Client education toolkit Helping clients understand the background behind your parasite control recommendations is where a team member’s knowledge becomes particularly valuable both to horse owners and the practice. Team members can help explain not only which parasites pose the most risk to various horses but also how climate or season affects parasite egg shedding. When clients are well informed, you and your team will be more successful helping them implement a strategic deworming regimen that works for their farm and their horses.
Registration is open!
Free on-demand CE for technicians: • Module 1: Intro to Equine Parasitology Webinar • Module 2: Intro to Equine Parasitology: Managing Resistance Webinar CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Summer 2020 | PARTNERS IN PRACTICE
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Product Information for Technicians
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ven though you’re responsible for product recommendations, it’s helpful for technicians to understand the dewormers in your arsenal so they can address the basics with clients if questions arise during conversation. Share the following information with your technicians so they’re prepared when you recommend the use of PANACUR® (fenbendazole) POWERPAC. The unique properties of PANACUR POWERPAC Fenbendazole, the active ingredient in PANACUR POWERPAC, features a unique mode of action that makes it extremely safe, yet powerfully effective against the most significant parasite threats in horses: large and small strongyles (including migrating larvae), pinworms and ascarids. PANACUR POWERPAC is the only product approved to act as a larvicidal treatment for all stages of stubborn encysted small strongyles,1 and the only treatment proven to be effective
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against ivermectin-resistant ascarids that can pose a significant threat to the health of foals and weanlings.2 There are no known contraindications for the use of fenbendazole. It is tough on parasites but gentle on the horse, making it a safe choice for foals, weanlings and even thin or debilitated horses. And it is safe for the environment and nontarget species. Because of its unique safety profile, the veterinarian often recommends PANACUR POWERPAC in these situations: • Once a year, especially for young horses and moderate-to-high egg shedders • All incoming horses before co-mingling with resident horses • Before starting horses on a daily dewormer, and once a year while continuing a daily deworming program • Foals prior to weaning • Prior to a performance event for show horses
Merck Animal Health
HORSE TIPS Timely Health Tips to Share with Horse Owners The goal of deworming is NOT to remove ALL parasites from the horse, according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Parasite Control Guidelines. Instead, the deworming process is meant to reduce the level of parasite infestation below a level where clinical disease could result. To help clients take a proactive, complete approach to deworming, your team can arm them with management practices known to reduce the risk of exposure to parasite eggs.
Natural Components of Deworming
• The treatment of debilitated or thin horses suffering from internal parasites, horses with chronic diarrhea, recurring colic and chronic weight loss due to suspected parasite infection.3 Dewormers such as PANACUR POWERPAC have the best chance of success when partnered with a comprehensive parasite control program that incorporates fecal egg count (FEC) testing into a farm-wide, herd-based program that combines chemical and nonchemical control strategies.
Consult your veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment and control of parasitism. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. When using PANACUR® (fenbendazole) Paste 10% concomitantly with trichlorfon, refer to the manufacturer’s label for use and cautions for trichlorfon. 1
PANACUR (fenbendazole) POWERPAC product label. ®
Reinemeyer CR, Vaala, WE. Larvicidal efficacy of fenbendazole against a macrocyclic lactone-resistant isolate of Parascaris equorum in foals. Proceedings of the 55th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. 2010, Atlanta, GA, p49. 2
Tamzali Y. (2006) Chronic weight loss in the horse: a 60-case retrospective study. Equine Vet Edu. 18, 289-296.
Giving the right anthelmintic drug to the right horse at the right time is important. However, there is more to parasite control. A key part of deworming is understanding parasite egg shedding and environmental contamination. By incorporating these “green” options into your farm management routines, you’ll help reduce your horses’ overall exposure to parasite eggs. • Remove manure from stalls daily. • Rotate pastures or pens. • Provide any supplemental grain or hay in raised containers off the ground. This not only reduces potential exposure to parasite eggs but also reduces possible sand or gravel consumption. • Keep overcrowding to a minimum. Doing so reduces the amount of manure exposure and, thus, potential parasite exposure. • Do not mix age groups in pasture. This is particularly important in reducing potential exposure to parasites like equine tapeworms or ascarids.
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CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THESE TIPS TO POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Summer Spring 2019 2020 | PARTNERS IN PRACTICE
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Ron's Campfire
RON’S CAMPFIRE This installment of Ron’s Campfire tells the story of a Virtual Barn Party hosted by Monty McInturff, DVM, to celebrate horses and The Foundation for the Horse. During the pandemic, I was sitting at home watching TV because, well, I couldn’t go anywhere. Lady Gaga came on the screen hosting a special with the World Health Organization. She said the goal of the special wasn’t to ask for
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here are no greater stories to be told than those of the practicing equine veterinarian. And if you’ve attended Vet Story Night at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) annual conference the last few years, you’ve heard some of the best. That is exactly what inspired Ron’s Campfire. Storytelling comes in many forms—whether on stage with a microphone or at the tip of a pencil (or keyboard), equine veterinarians not only have scientifically gifted minds, they are also talented writers and storytellers. If you have a story or blog you’d like to share, we’d love to feature it in a future issue. Please email Ron McDaniel (ron.mcdaniel@merck.com) to learn more or submit contributions.
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donations, because corporate entities had already contributed to make the event possible. Instead, the idea was to celebrate the essential workers, thank them and have a little fun. And it was fun. Celebrities performed virtually and socialized together all from the safety of their separate locations. As I watched, I started thinking we should do something similar for the horse. We could throw a party, invite cool people, tell our story and maybe even raise a little money for horses through The Foundation for the Horse. I ran the idea by my team, Foundation partners and friends, and they all said, “This is a cool idea, but how are you going to do it?” The Virtual Barn Party was born We got to work contacting people asking if they’d help us throw a fun-focused virtual party that felt real-time. The response was incredible. Everyone donated their time and some even donated autographed guitars to give away. With all the talent and participants in place, I sat in my pajamas one Sunday
morning (when I’d usually be gone for church) and wrote a script that wove in the Foundation’s goals of benevolence, education and research. Later a videographer helped film all the participants from wherever they were and put together a complete party video that brought everybody together virtually. Party people I hosted the party from our barn at Tennessee Equine Hospital in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee. During the party, aired on May 29 via Facebook Live, veterinarians from private practice joined us, as did horse lovers from animal health companies including Merck Animal Health. Lyle Lovett made the first celebrity appearance, giving a heartfelt thank you to equine veterinarians and The Foundation for the Horse for all they do for horses. Partygoers boogied to a performance from songwriters Scott Anders and Roger Mura, who penned “High Cotton.” Grammy-winning artist Rory Feek and his daughter sang at the party. Feek’s wife used to work at Tennessee Equine so seeing them was a special moment. Local band Sloan Woolly joined us because one of our client’s son plays keyboard for the band. We also heard great music from People on the Porch and the trio Campbell Station. All the performances were fantastic, but what was maybe most exciting is that we got to shine a light on people who’ve done amazing things to help horses. We introduced a man who shaved his head and eyebrows to raise money for horses, and we talked about a 5k run in Ocala,
Florida, organized by a young lady to benefit the horse. Both of those people came to the party and I’m thrilled we got to share their stories. My dream is that everyone who came to the party would see stories like these and decide that they, too, can do something for the horse. Maybe they’ll throw a birthday party or host a bake sale. I’m hoping the Virtual Barn Party is a segue of creativity for other people to put their own ideas into action supporting horses and supporting The Foundation for the Horse. Celebrating horses and the people who love them The Foundation is for everyone— all people who love horses, including equine veterinarians. That’s why we rebranded it from the AAEP Foundation to The Foundation for the Horse. We want it to be the Foundation that the whole horse community can partner with and trust. I think it’s working. Through the Virtual Barn Party, we raised a little over $65,000. Perhaps more importantly, we gave people a chance to learn more about the Foundation and how everyone can participate to make a difference. Proceeds from the party help the Foundation do critical work like giving scholarships to equine veterinary students, supporting horses affected by wildfires and hurricanes, championing scientists researching innovative ways to cure colic and laminitis, and going into developing countries to help people care for the donkey that works alongside them every day. Giving back is so important to me— but it wasn’t always. I’ve been practicing equine medicine for 31 years. During my first 15 years of practice, I was that guy who thought he was God’s gift to
veterinary medicine. It was my way or the highway, and everything I did was “I” centric. It was all about me, me, me. About 15 years ago I realized I was being stupid. All this wasn’t about me. It’s about the team I’m on. So, I started trying to convert from a brand of “I” to a brand of “we.” Instead of being the guy who went to the AAEP convention, gleaned information, and went back to the practice to use it all myself, I transitioned to being the guy who shared information and tried to bring more people to the table. I began to look outside myself and think about how I could give back, volunteer and give my money. About that same time, I was asked to become part of The Foundation for the Horse advisory board. Fast forward to the Virtual Barn Party When the pandemic hit in March, all the things I like—being social, going to horse shows, hugging people —they all just stopped. Staying home hit me hard. I found myself sad and depressed. I told my team that this pandemic was not only a global health issue, but for me it was also a mental health issue. Over the last few months, I’ve been reminded that what I care about boils down to three main things: family, friends and the horse. The Virtual Barn Party lifted me up and I hope it did the same for others. I know for sure it lifted up the horse and The Foundation for the Horse. So, I think we accomplished what we set out to do—and I say “we” because everyone was a part of it, including all the people who came to Zoom calls, the videographer, the team who pulled it together, the fans and Lady Gaga who inspired an idea.
Dr. Monty McInturff is owner and practice manager of Tennessee Equine Hospital with three locations across Tennessee. He’s also a member of The Foundation for the Horse Advisory Council.
Want to share the Virtual Barn Party with your community? Click to download a social media post you can share on your social platforms!
Merck Animal Health’s own Ron McDaniel, this column’s namesake and a member of The Foundation for the Horse Advisory Council, performed one of his famous cowboy poems during the Virtual Barn Party. During his pandemic down time, Monty McInturff, DVM, and party host, wrote this ode to McDaniel.
The Cowboy Storyteller There once was a cowboy named Ron. When you see him from afar you ask, “Is that an ass he’s upon?” The story goes that he and his donkey had many adventures. Some saving the day And some requiring a new set of pearly white dentures! No one really knows if his tales are Psychotic Fiction or a thrilling mystery! One thing is for sure, The legend of cowboy Ron will go down in history.
Summer 2020 | PARTNERS IN PRACTICE
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Merck Animal Health Business Tips
VIRTUAL RESOURCES WHEN IN-PERSON ISN’T PRACTICAL
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s the long-lasting effects of COVID-19 continue to evolve, what’s clear is that digital tools will serve an increasingly important role. To help you manage your business in this new world, Merck Animal Health is offering a variety of virtual resources.
5. Social media content for clients. Ask your Merck Animal Health representative about customizable social media content you can post to keep clients up to date on any changes at your practice and on timely preventive care. 6. Educational client seminars via WebEx. Contact your Merck Animal Health representative to learn more and to schedule a time.
1. Complimentary On-Demand CE. With in-person educational opportunities potentially in short supply, you and your team can earn CE credit through online sessions like these: • Parasite Control for Young Horses: Tackling Resistant Worms and Outdated Management Strategies, by Dr. Wendy Vaala on VetGirl • The Merck Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Study on VetFolio.com • Two-part series on equine parasitology for technicians, by Dr. Fairfield T. Bain (see page 2 for more info) 2. 2020 Disease Du Jour podcast series, created in partnership with EquiManagement. Listen on your own schedule to topics such as: • Biosecurity Measures with Dr. Scott Weese • Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign with Dr. Duane Chappell • Wound Management with Dr. Earl Gaughan 3. Article on weathering the economic impact of the pandemic by Dr. Amy Grice, brought to you in partnership with EquiManagement.com 4. #InThisTogether Facebook live series with topics including Well-being: Tumultuous Times from Grief to Gratitude with Dr. Tom Favale, Jr.
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Merck Animal Health extends a special thank you to all the veterinarians who support equine rescue and retirement facilities. We’re proud to partner with the American Association of Equine Practitioners on the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign. Through this year’s program, equine nonprofits received an additional 3,500 doses of Merck vaccines for a grand total of 7,000 doses donated to help horses in need.
Did You Know?
NEW VETERINARIAN WELLBEING STUDY RESULTS AND RESOURCES
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uilding on critical information collected in 2018, Merck Animal Health partnered with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to complete a second comprehensive study of wellbeing and mental health among U.S. veterinarians. Data from the Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study 2020 revealed that veterinarians’ attitudes toward mental health are improving, but there’s significant work to do related to treatment.
One key resource is the Workplace Wellbeing Certificate Program, a four-hour CE course that’s free to AVMA members. Those who complete the course will be armed with the knowledge and skills to create a culture of wellbeing in their veterinary workplace.
See the Study Results MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH
VETERINARIAN WELLBEING STUDY 2020 The Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study surveyed U.S. veterinarians across all sectors of the profession to measure wellbeing and mental illness and compare findings to the general U.S. population. SUICIDICAL THOUGHTS AND ATTEMPTS CONTINUE TO REMAIN HIGHER IN VETERINARIANS THAN THE GENERAL PUBLIC
SERIOUS PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS REMAINS HIGH IN YOUNGER VETS
Compared to the 2018 Veterinary Wellbeing Study, 2020 results show there is no improvement in veterinarians’ overall wellbeing. Still, the profession is becoming more aware of the importance of mental health in the veterinary profession, which is critically important, says Christine Royal, DVM, Executive Director, Veterinary Professional Services, Merck Animal Health U.S. Equine and Companion Animal Business Unit.
Distressed
3,600*
93.60%
86.80%
92.30%
6.40%
13.20%
7.70%
7,455*
Total
Age: 18-34
Both individuals and veterinary practices can help improve colleagues’ wellbeing by continuing to raise awareness of the issues and available resources. “We found veterinarians are becoming more caring toward those with mental health issues,” Dr. Royal said. “This is critically important because veterinarians aren’t getting the care they need. They’re either not aware of the resources or they aren’t seeking care because they’re worried about a negative stigma.”
882* 1,463* Thoughts about killing yourself
Age: 35-44
64* 174*
Planned to kill yourself
Attempted to kill yourself
*numbers are per 100,000 population
WHILE WELLBEING IS LOWEST AMONG YOUNGER VETERINARIANS, MORE EXPERIENCED VETERINARIANS EXHIBIT VERY HIGH LEVELS OF WELLBEING High levels of wellbeing show investment and pride in their career as well as feelings of making positive contributions to other people’s lives. Suffering
“With the study, we’re essentially running diagnostics on the veterinary profession to be able to come up with the tools and treatments to support wellbeing,” said Dr. Royal in a recent Disease Du Jour podcast discussion with EquiManagement. “The positive news is that we know the status of wellbeing in the veterinary profession, and it calls us to recognize that there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
General Population
Veterinarians
Not Distressed
56%
35% 9%
Getting By
46%
41% 13%
2019 Total Age: 18-34
Flourishing
51%
55%
40%
36%
9%
10%
Age: 35-44
Age: 45-54
63%
73%
29% 8%
21% 6%
Age: 55-64
Age: 65+
Click Here to view an infographic highlighting key results of the Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study 2020
Summer 2020 | PARTNERS IN PRACTICE
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Meet the Team
Q&A
JESSICA STEFFIEN SENIOR TERRITORY REPRESENTATIVE San Clemente, California jessica.steffien1@merck.com
Tell us a little bit about your horse background. I’ve been riding for over 40 years in various disciplines, most recently in reined cow-horse competitions. I trained horses during college, as well as before I went to work in the animal health industry.
What is your favorite part of being an equine sales representative? That it ultimately contributes to the well-being of the horse. Also, I love to provide solutions, education and products to help my accounts thrive.
If you were a horse, what type of horse would you be? I’d be a Quarter Horse.
If there were one thing you would want customers to know about you, what would it be? I’d want them to know that I have the greatest respect and admiration for their profession, and I will always try to assist them in any way possible.
Best horse advice you’ve ever received? Cowgirl up! Outside of the equestrian world, what is your favorite hobby? Dancing and listening to live music. How long have you been working for Merck Animal Health? I worked for Merck Animal Health from 2007 to 2014 when I had to move outside my work geography. Luckily, my old position re-opened last year, and I got the opportunity to rejoin the very best animal health company ever!
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The Science of Healthier Animals 2 Giralda Farms • Madison, NJ 07940 • merck-animal-health-equine.com • 800-521-5767 Copyright © 2020 Intervet Inc., d/b/a/ Merck Animal Health, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. US-EQV-200600001
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