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Merial Assisting with US EPA Actions Announced Against Counterfeit FRONTLINE Packaging

Federal law enforcement authorities from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) released the results of a multi-year investigation into illegal "counterfeiting" of packaging of FRONTLINE® Plus and FRONTLINE® Top Spot® Brand flea and tick products for dogs and cats. US EPA has ordered retailers and distributors to stop selling counterfeit packaged FRONTLINE® products.

Merial, which manufactures and markets FRONTLINE® products, has assisted fully with this investigation, and in fact, instigated it by reporting the incidences of this illegal practice to the Agency. Merial is very pleased with this development, since the company is committed to ensuring that customers receive only FRONTLINE® products in their approved packaging.

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In announcing this action, the US EPA cited the potential for consumer confusion because of incorrect labeling in the counterfeit product packages. It should be noted that the products involved in the action by US EPA are in fact genuine FRONTLINE products. However, the counterfeiters have repackaged certain quantities of product destined for foreign markets in forged cartons, with potentially mislabeled dosages and incorrect labeling. These illegitimate product packages may not contain all the US EPA-approved product information on dosing and safety instructions.

"FRONTLINE products are safe and effective when used according to proper label instructions," said Dr. Zachary Mills, DVM, Executive Director of Veterinary Services for Merial. "Merial stands behind the quality of all our products. A good safeguard to ensure the integrity of products such as these is to purchase them from a reputable source. The best way to be confident about the source of FRONTLINE products is to purchase them through your veterinarian." Dr. Mills said.

In general, there are some simple ways to visually identify authentic packaged product. Inside the box, the FRONTLINE product is contained in a foil blister pack that holds the individual product applicators. In the genuine product packaged for the US, this blister pack is labeled with instructions to use scissors to open the foil or to lift and remove the plastic tab to expose the foil. Conversely, counterfeit packaged product contains no such instructions.

Visually, the back of the US packaging blister pack holding the product applicators is black and white; counterfeit packaging may contain orange colored bars on the back of the blister pack and may include foreign language such as the words "usage veterinaire." To further identify the differences in packaging, pet owners are encouraged to visit www.FRONTLINE.com/epa.

Frontline Provides Convenient And Effective Flea And Tick Control For Dogs And Puppies. Frontline Brand Products Are The #1 Choice Of Veterinarians!

• Fast-acting.
• Long-lasting.
• Waterproof Even After Frequent Bathing.
• Prevents Re-infestations.
• Convenient To Use.
• Controls Fleas Which May Cause Flea Allergy Dermatitis.
• Kills All Stages Of 4 Major Ticks, Including Those That May Carry Lyme Disease.
• Use On Puppies 8 Weeks And Older.
• 6 Topical Monthy Treatments.

Frontline FAQ

What is Frontline used for?
Frontline provides convenient and effective flea and tick control for dogs and puppies. It is effective against all stages of the brown dog tick, the American dog tick, lone star tick and deer ticks (the major carrier of Lyme disease).

Availability
Frontline is a non-prescription (OTC) product.

Directions
To kill fleas and all stages of brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks , and deer ticks, apply to dogs and puppies (10 weeks or older) as follows: Hold applicator upright and snap applicator tip away from face and body. Place applicator tip through animals hair to the skin level between the shoulder blades. Squeeze applicator, applying entire contents in a single spot to the animal's skin. Avoid superficial application to the animal's hair. APPLY ONCE A MONTH USING ONE APPLICATOR PER MONTH.

What are the side effects
Pets may experience some temporary irritation at the site of the Frontline product application. If signs persist or become more severe within a few days of application, consult a veterinarian immediately.

What special precautions are there
Frontline is for external use on dogs and puppies 10 weeks or older. Consult a veterinarian before using on medicated animals, animals using this product with other pesticides, and debilitated, aged, pregnant or nursing animals. This product is flammable. Keep away from heat and open flame. This product is harmful to humans if swallowed. Call a physician or poison control center. Drink 1 or 2 glasses of water and induce vomiting unless patient is unconscious. This product can cause eye injury. Flush eyes with plenty of water. Call a physician if irritation persists. Avoid contact with skin, eyesor clothing. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.

In the event of overdose
Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room.

How should I store Frontline?
Store this product at room temperature. Store in the original container only. To dispose wrap original container in several layers of newspaper and discard in trash. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.