The innovative PINNACLE® I.N. (Intranasal) Streptococcus equi vaccine is now available from Pfizer Animal Health with an updated label and packaging that reflects the current manufacturer. Originally introduced by Fort Dodge Animal Health in 1997, the vaccine came to Pfizer Animal Health in 2009 with the acquisition of Wyeth and Fort Dodge Animal Health.
PINNACLE I.N. is the only two-dose modified-live vaccine developed to help prevent strangles caused by Streptococcus equi. Intranasal administration helps provide a “more natural” immune response, stimulating innate and mucosal immunity at the site of natural infection1. Pinnacle I.N. utilizes a specially designed cannula that delivers the vaccine to the pharyngeal (throat) area.
The American Association of Equine Practitioners classifies strangles as a risk-based disease, so horse owners should talk with their veterinarian to determine the best vaccination protocol for their horses. Vaccination is generally recommended for young horses, horses at facilities with previous strangles infections and horses that travel or are exposed to other horses on a routine basis2. PINNACLE I.N. is available only through veterinarians.
“Pfizer Animal Health is committed to providing veterinarians with quality vaccines and horse owners with peace of mind when it comes to equine diseases, and PINNACLE I.N. is an innovative vaccine that helps to provide a more natural immune response,” said Andrea Wright, DVM, MVSc, Marketing Manager, Equine Biologicals for Pfizer Animal Health. “Strangles exposure is difficult to track when horses travel or compete frequently and when horses move from facility to facility, so vaccination may be recommended for those at-risk populations.”
Strangles is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection that is common in young horses3. Symptoms may include fever, difficulty swallowing, anorexia, abnormal breathing, swelling and/or abscesses of the lymph nodes and nasal discharge. The disease is spread by direct contact with infected horses or objects that may have come in contact with infected horses such as buckets, bridles or the hands of people that have handled infected horses. Horses that have previously been exposed to Streptococcus equi may periodically shed the bacterium without displaying clinical symptoms. Therefore it is important to always practice good barn hygiene and biosecurity measures when traveling or when new horses arrive at a facility.
For more information on PINNACLE I.N., contact your Pfizer Animal Health representative or call 1-855-4AH-PFIZER (1-855-424-7349).
About Pfizer Animal Health
Pfizer Animal Health, a business unit of Pfizer Inc., is a world leader in the discovery, development and manufacture of innovative animal health vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic products. Pfizer Animal Health invests more in research and development than any other animal health company. We work to assure a safe, sustainable global food supply from healthy beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry and fish while helping dogs, cats and horses live healthier longer lives. We strive to be the animal health company that provides full healthcare solutions to veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners. To learn more, visit www.us.animalhealth.pfizer.com.
References
C. R. Sweeney, J. F. Timoney, J.R. Newton, M. T. Hines: Streptococcus equi Infections in Horses: Guidelines for Treatment, Control, and Prevention of Strangles. J Vet Intern Med 2005;19:123–134.
Understanding Equine Strangles (Jul. 22,2008). In American Association of Equine Practitioners website. Accessed Jan. 20, 2011 from http://www.aaep.org/health_articles_view.php?id=323.
Strangles (Streptococcus equi) (2008). In American Association of Equine Practitioners website. Accessed Jan. 20, 2011 from http://www.aaep.org/strangles.htm.
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