Partnership Promotes Equine Health and Wellness through Education and Research Initiatives
NEW YORK, April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Pfizer Animal Health has joined forces as a leadership contributor with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s (NTRA) Safety and Integrity Alliance. The partnership’s aim is to ensure the health and safety measures being implemented through the new racetrack accreditation program are addressed in a manner that will best benefit the equine athlete. Pfizer Animal Health is the first pharmaceutical company along with over 50 racetracks, national horseman’s organizations, owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys and veterinarians to support this breakthrough initiative that could change the face of horse racing.
The NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance is a standing organization whose purpose is to implement safety and integrity on a uniform, nationwide basis. The Alliance will function as a certification/accreditation body for the purpose of recognizing and inducing compliance by all stakeholders. Compliance will cover five broad areas: injury reporting and prevention, creating a safer racing environment, aftercare and transition of retired horses, medication and testing and safety research. Within those categories, many specific standards are being focused on including pre- and post- race veterinary examinations, health and safety of jockeys, safety research and training and continuing education among many others.
“The safety standards put in place are the most ambitious in the history of the industry and are the result of the earnest recommendations of a number of organizations,” said Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of the NTRA Alliance. “Having Pfizer Animal Health’s support helps reinforce the importance of preventative health care for all equine athletes.”
In 2008, Pfizer Animal Health teamed up with the NTRA Charities - Barbaro Memorial Fund to raise awareness and the need for medical research to find a cure for laminitis. Pfizer Animal Health will continue to support the Barbaro Memorial Fund under the umbrella of the Safety and Integrity Alliance. The funds will continue to support laminitis research, in addition to broader equine health and wellness-related research projects. Horse enthusiasts can show their support to the cause by purchasing a tube of EQUIMAX(R) (ivermectin 1.87%/ praziquantel 14.03%) dewormer at their local retail outlet or via their veterinarian. With each tube of EQUIMAX, consumers will receive a 4" x 6" Barbaro Memorial Fund magnet featuring a beautiful photo of Barbaro that can be displayed on a car, truck, trailer or in a tack room. Look for this promotion from May 1 - July 31, 2009.
“Pfizer Animal Health and the NTRA have similar goals to educate horse owners on the importance of preventative health, wellness and veterinary care,” said Kristin Ruff, Equine Sr. Marketing Manager, Pfizer Animal Health. “Our involvement in the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance is exciting, but also ensures the best interest of the horse’s health and well-being.”
For more information on how to get involved with the Barbaro Memorial Fund or to make a donation, visit RidingwithBarbaro.org.
The NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance is a standing organization whose purpose is to establish standards and practices to promote safety and integrity in horseracing and to secure their implementation. Information on the Alliance, including the Alliance Code of Standards, can be found at www.NTRAalliance.com.
The Honorable Tommy G. Thompson, former four-term Governor of Wisconsin and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, serves as independent counsel of the Alliance and will provide public reports on Alliance progress in instituting safety and integrity standards.
Pfizer, Inc. , the world’s largest research-based biomedical and pharmaceutical company, also is a world leader in discovering and developing innovative animal vaccines and prescription medicines. Pfizer Animal Health is dedicated to improving the safety, quality and productivity of the world’s food supply by enhancing the health of livestock and poultry; and in helping horses and pets to live longer and healthier lives. For additional information on Pfizer Animal Health’s portfolio of equine products, visit www.PfizerAH.com.
CONTACT: Rebecca Pitcher of Equine Resources International, LLC,
+1-610-444-7554, Rebecca@equineresources.com, for Pfizer Animal Health
