Updated Website for Dog Owners Has New Data About the Risks of Lepto

ST. JOSEPH, Mo., June 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) announces LeptoInfo.com has been updated to include new information on the spread of canine leptospirosis (lepto) in the United States and how pet owners can help lower the risks for their dogs.

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The website will be available for pet owners on June 1, 2012 in time for late spring and warmer weather when exposure to lepto increases due to higher humidity and rainfall, being outside more and added exposure to wildlife areas when hiking, camping, boating and swimming in parks and recreational areas.

"The updated website has a new look and feel, easy navigation and some great new information and tools. The website offers pet owners timely and important tips about how to assess their dogs' risk factors for lepto, as well as how to protect our pets against this serious and sometimes life-threatening disease," says Mark R. Kimsey, DVM, BIVI Senior Brand Manager, Canine Biologicals.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects dogs, other animal species and humans, and is an increasing concern in rural, suburban and urban areas where growing populations of raccoons, skunks, rodents and other wildlife animals are infected. The disease is indirectly spread by contact with water contaminated with urine from an infected animal, or it can be transmitted directly from dog to dog.

"Dog owners need to know that lepto is no longer only a disease of hunting dogs – even small dogs can get lepto just by going outside in their own back yards where wildlife has been or stepping in an infected puddle while on a walk," says Kimsey. "The good news is lepto vaccines are available to help protect against lepto disease."

About Boehringer Ingelheim

The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world's 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 145 affiliates and more than 44,000 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

As a central element of its culture, Boehringer Ingelheim pledges to act socially responsible. Involvement in social projects, caring for employees and their families, and providing equal opportunities for all employees form the foundation of the global operations. Mutual cooperation and respect, as well as environmental protection and sustainability are intrinsic factors in all of Boehringer Ingelheim's endeavors.

In 2011, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about $17.1 billion (13.2 billion euro). R&D expenditure in the business area Prescription Medicines corresponds to 23.5% of its net sales.

For more information, please visit http://us.boehringer-ingelheim.com and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/boehringerus. 

SOURCE Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.