ST. JOSEPH, MO. (July 27, 2010) – In the midst of tick season across much of the U.S., veterinarians have a new vaccine available for the prevention of canine Lyme disease. The vaccine, Duramune® Lyme™ from Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI)has recently been approved for veterinary use by the USDA. It’s available in a stand-alone vaccine as DURAMUNE LYME and in combination with proven parvo and subunit lepto protection.

According to Arne Zislin, VMD, technical manager veterinarian with BIVI, DURAMUNE LYME is a two-strain, whole-cell, multi-Osp Borrelia Burgdorferi bacterin that provides a cascade of disease protection from the moment the tick bites the dog.

“DURAMUNE LYME elicits a broad spectrum antibody response against a wide variety of outer surface proteins (Osp) including A, B, C and more, in vaccinated dogs,” Zislin says. “It has been proven in field studies with real-world dogs to be safe and highly efficacious against a full range of Borrelia Burgdorferi spirochetes in the tick and the host.”

“DURAMUNE LYME vaccine is available as a stand-alone product and in combination vaccines,” says Lorie North, senior brand manager, BIVI. “This makes the vaccine easy and convenient for veterinarians to include in most canine vaccination programs calling for Lyme protection.

DURAMUNE LYME is labeled as aid in the prevention of the disease caused by B. burgdorferi, and is labeled to be administered subcutaneously to healthy dogs nine weeks of age or older. Unlike some other Lyme vaccines, the BIVI vaccine is available through most distribution channels.

“There is growing evidence that tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme, provide a significant health risk to pets,” Zislin notes. “Vaccines help veterinarians provide routine high-quality patient care that supports the human-animal bond and the well-being of dogs anywhere in the country where infected ticks are prevalent.”

For more information about DURAMUNE LYME vaccine and how it can be used to provide effective, safe protection against Lyme disease in dogs, visit www.Lymeinfo.com or BIVI at www.duramunelyme.com.