January 11, 2010 — The Breeds & Industry Division of Equine Canada would like to inform all stakeholders that Health Canada is warning veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners that one lot of the prescription veterinary drug Longisil is being recalled due to an unusually high number of adverse reactions in animals treated with this lot.

The recalled lot comes packaged in three different vial sizes:

•        Lot #9224 (9224-01) – 100 ml vial

•        Lot #9224 (9224-02) – 250 ml vial

•        Lot #9224 (9224-03) – 500 ml vial

Longisil is a form of penicillin that is administered by injection and used to treat various infections. While mainly used to treat large animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs and horses, this drug is also sometimes used in cats and dogs.

Longisil is available only by prescription from a veterinarian. It is distributed in Canada by Vétoquinol N.-A. Inc.

Vétoquinol N.-A. Inc. is recalling Lot # 9224 after receiving an abnormally high number of reports of allergic reactions in animals following use of product from this lot. The reports involved 14 dogs and possibly one cat that developed swelling and hives within minutes or hours of receiving an injection. All animals were treated immediately and fully recovered.

Livestock producers and pet owners whose animals are being treated with Longisil should contact their veterinarian immediately if they notice any symptoms of an allergic reaction following use of this drug. Symptoms of an allergic reaction range from mild to serious and can include skin rashes, swelling, and difficulty breathing and/or swallowing.

Health Canada encourages veterinarians to report any adverse events involving Longisil to Vétoquinol N.-A. by calling 1-800-363-1700. They can also be reported directly to Health Canada toll free at 1-877-838-7322, by fax at (613) 947-1125 or by mail at the following address:

Pharmacovigilance Unit, Veterinary Drugs Directorate
Health Canada
Ground Floor, Suite 14
11 Holland Avenue, Holland Cross Complex
Ottawa, ON A.L. 3000A
K1A 0K9

Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact Health Canada’s public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available on the Equine Canada website at www.equinecanada.ca.


About Equine Canada Breeds & Industry Division
 
Equine Canada Breeds & Industry Division provides a structure for the more than 40 breed organizations operating in Canada to unite as a coalition under the national federation of Equine Canada. It provides a forum from which to seek and exchange information between Equine Canada, Canadian stakeholders, the Government of Canada and foreign entities. The Breeds & Industry Division works to promote and assist a vibrant equine industry and to affect policy in Canada. Breed organizations and industry partners share resources and expertise with unity of purpose to increase the long-term profitability of Canada's equine sector and ensure its future viability. Visit www.equinecanada.ca for complete information about the Equine Canada Breeds & Industry Division.

About Equine Canada

Equine Canada is Canada’s national governing body for equestrianism.  A member-driven, charitable institution, it is the executive branch of the Canadian Equestrian Team, and the national authority for equestrian competition; the national voice for recreational riders; and the national association for equine welfare, breeding, and industry.  Equine Canada is recognised by the Government of Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and the Canadian Olympic Committee as the national organisation representing equestrian sport and equine interests. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit www.equinecanada.ca.