FORT WORTH, Texas—Merial, a world-leading animal health company, is partnering with the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) for the 2005 World Championship Paint Horse Show. Nearly 2,000 horses are expected to compete at the event set for June 26–July 9 in Fort Worth, Texas.

“Merial is excited about the opportunity to help the American Paint Horse Association continue to make the World Show a world-class event,” said Duane Maye, Merial’s associate director of marketing. “We are pleased to sponsor an event of this caliber.”

Merial’s product lines include anesthetic, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular medicines. Operating in 10 different countries and employing 6,000 people, Merial’s clients include veterinarians, pet owners, farmers and food animal producers worldwide.

Merial’s premier antiparasitic product, ZIMECTERIN Gold, is one of the many advancements it has been made with equine health products. ZIMECTERIN Gold controls a broad spectrum of parasites and is highly effective in protecting all horses, according to Merial.

“We appreciate associations, such as the APHA, that value equine enthusiasts as much as we do at Merial,” Maye said. “Paint Horse competitors are a savvy group of horse owners who understand the value in a complete parasite control program, making ZIMECTERIN Gold an obvious choice to be the official dewormer of the World Show.”

Maye said that research shows that Zimecterin has been the first choice of horse owners for broad spectrum equine pest control for nearly 20 years. Zimecterin Gold offers the added benefit of tapeworm control.

World Show attendees can stop by the Merial/ZIMECTERIN Gold booth to learn more about the importance of tapeworm control and the broad spectrum control of equine parasites with Zimecterin Gold, Maye said. Visitors can enter to win free ZIMECTERIN Gold. Merial will also offer information on ulcer prevention and West Nile Virus at the booth.

For more information about Merial or Zimecterin Gold, log onto merial.com or zimecterin.com.

More about APHA
Since its founding 43 years ago, APHA has registered more than 828,000 horses. Currently, American Paint Horses are being registered at APHA’s Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters at a rate of about 50,000 horses each year. The association serves nearly 108,000 members, who are located in every U.S. state, throughout Canada and in 38 other nations and territories around the world.

APHA employs 155 people and has an annual operating budget of $15 million for activities worldwide.

Among the many qualities that make Paint Horses desirable are their sound

conformation, versatile athletic ability, intelligence, calm temperament, willing disposition and beautiful coat color patterns.