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Brakke Consulting’s
Animal Health News & Notes for April 20, 2012
Copyright © Brakke Consulting, Inc.
Editor: Lynn Fondon
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IN THE NEWS:
Brakke news
practice management
earnings news
IDEXX
Nestle
Vétoquinol
Virbac
other news
Bellman Nutricao Animal
Biogal-Galed
Castor Pollux Natural PetWorks
IDEXX (Snap 4Dx Plus)
IDEXX (Partners in Wellness)
Merrick Pet Care
Nestle Purina
NoviPet
Nutreco
Pala-Tech Laboratories
Spectrum Group
Teva
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ANIMAL AGRICULTURE ALLIANCE
11th ANNUAL STAKEHOLDERS SUMMIT
MAY 2-3, 2012
Register now for the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s eleventh annual Stakeholders Summit, to be held May 2-3 in Arlington, VA. This year, the Alliance’s showcase event will explore the theme of “Real Farmers Real Food: Celebrating Tradition and Technology”.
For more details or to register, go to http://beta.eventfarm.com/StakeholdersSummit2012.
www.AnimalAgAlliance.org
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COMPANY EARNINGS RELEASES
> Virbac SA reported results for the first quarter of 2012. Consolidated sales reached EUR 176 million ($231 million), a 10% change compared to the same period of 2011. The companion animals segment enjoyed a 13% organic growth, driven by the performance in the US and in Southern Europe, while organic growth in food producing animals was 2%. (company website)
> Vétoquinol Group reported results for the first quarter of 2012. The Group reported sales of EUR 77 million ($101 million), up 16% compared to the same period last year and up 13% on a like for like basis. (company website)
> IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. reported that revenues for the first quarter of 2012 increased 10% to $323 million. Net income increased 11% to $40.7 million. Companion Animal Group (“CAG”) revenues for the first quarter of 2012 increased 11% to $268 million. (company website)
> Nestle reported results for the first quarter of 2012. PetCare sales were CHF 2,545 million ($2,778 million), an increase of 8% compared to the first quarter of the prior year. (company press release)
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COMPANY NEWS RELEASES
> Teva Animal Health announced the introduction of Amprolium-P (amprolium) 9.6% Oral solution to treat coccidiosis in growing chickens, turkeys and laying hens. (company press release)
> IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. announced the launch of the SNAP 4Dx Plus Test. Tests for Ehrlichia ewingii and Anaplasma platys were added to the pathogens in IDEXX’s 4Dx Test: Lyme disease, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and heartworm, screening for 6 total pathogens using just one sample. (company website)
> The Spectrum Group announced that it will distribute Biogal-Galed Laboratories’ VacciCheck test to the US canine pet market. The Canine VacciCheck can be used by veterinarians to evaluate the amount of antibodies present for three core vaccines (canine infectious hepatitis, canine parvovirus and canine distemper virus). (Animal Pharm)
> Pala-Tech Laboratories, Inc. introduced Cease Coprophagia Granules for use in dogs and cats and Cease Coprophagia Soft Chews for dogs. Both products contain monosodium glutamate, or MSG, to make feces less appetizing to dogs and cats. Because deficiencies of vitamin B have been linked to coprophagia, the supplements also contain the entire range of B-complex vitamins, as well as cellulase digestive enzyme. (company press release)
> Merrick Pet Care Inc. announced an agreement to acquire Castor Pollux Natural PetWorks, a natural and organic petfood company. Financial terms were not disclosed. (Petfood Industry enews)
> NoviPet introduced two new products in its line of nutritional supplements. Digestive Aid, a product designed to support gastrointestinal tract health, contains probiotics, prebiotics, protease, amylase, cellulose, and lipase. Calming Aid, developed to support dogs during times of anxiety and stress, contains chamomile, L-Taurine, ginger and tryptophan. (PRNewswire)
> Nestlé Purina PetCare Company’s subsidiary, PurinaCare Insurance Services Inc., and IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. announced Partners in Wellness, a collaboration to bring veterinary practices a turnkey system that enables vet practitioners to offer their own customized preventive-care plans, while PurinaCare handles client billing and administrative requirements. (company press release)
> BRAZIL Nutreco announced an agreement to acquire Bellman Nutricao Animal Ltda, a Brazilian supplier and producer of farm minerals, concentrates and supplements for ruminants. Financial terms were not disclosed. (Feedstuffs)
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ANIMAL HEALTH NEWS
> US – ANTIBIOTIC USE A study conducted by Kansas State University using data from a 2006 USDA swine survey and a 2009 survey of swine veterinarians found that annually about 1.6 million pounds of antibiotics are used in pork production for growth promotion/nutritional efficiency and disease prevention. A 2001 report, “Hogging It,” from the Union of Concerned Scientists had claimed that 10.3 million pounds a year are used. The KSU study was published in the March issue of Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. (NPPC.org)
> US – CYTAUXZOONOSIS Researchers at the University of Missouri and North Carolina State University have developed a more effective treatment method for the tickborne disease feline disease cytauxzoonosis. The new treatment is a combination of the anti-malarial drug atovaquone plus an antibiotic, given orally for 10 days with supportive care. Previous treatment methods have only been able to save less than 25 percent of infected cats; the new method has been shown to save about 60 percent of infected cats. (DVM360.com)
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BRAKKE CONSULTING, INC.
VETERINARY CE SEMINARS
Is your company is looking for new ways to increase your exposure to current and prospective veterinary customers? Consider booking Brakke Consulting’s practice management consultant, Jessica Lee, to present Veterinary Continuing Education seminars for lunch or dinner meetings, or to moderate at all-day workshops for your veterinary customers. In addition, Jessica can assist in training your sales force at national and regional meetings on the real needs of the veterinary clinic owners and staff to improve their performance. For more information on how to book Jessica for speaking engagements, contact her at jglee@brakkeconsulting.com.
www.BrakkeConsulting.com
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BRAKKE CONSULTING VIEWPOINT
The first earnings reports for the first quarter of 2012 are in, and those reporting are sure to be pleased with their double-digit increases. We hope that the trend continues as the quarterly earnings reports roll in.
We want to encourage those interested in animal agriculture to have one or more managers attend the annual Animal Agriculture Alliance’s Stakeholder Summit in early May. This organization has become a leading advocate for animal agriculture. If we want to win the PR battle regarding animal agriculture, we all need to work together to present and disseminate our message. .
Have a great weekend.
Lynn Fondon
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