Bayer HealthCare LLC's Animal Health Division welcomes and applauds the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) efforts to stop the distribution and sales of counterfeit Advantage, a leading flea control product for dogs and cats. The announcement is the result of a lengthy investigation conducted in collaboration with Bayer that was initiated by Bayer in a meeting with EPA more than 20 months ago.

EPA has ordered retailers and distributors in a number of states to stop selling counterfeit Advantage products, which falsely contain EPA registration numbers and labeling for Advantage. The counterfeit Advantage products are packaged in retail cartons designed to look similar to legitimate products registered with EPA. In some cases, the product may not have the proper packaging or instructional leaflet to ensure proper usage. In addition, the consumer cannot be assured that the dosage is correct for the animal pictured on the retail carton.

"Protecting the well-being of animals is Bayer Animal Health's first priority, and we have been working diligently with EPA and the veterinary profession and its leadership to stop counterfeiters," said John Payne, president, North America, Bayer HealthCare LLC, Animal Health Division. "EPA's actions are another important step in keeping America's pets safe," he added.

Bayer has taken aggressive actions to stop unauthorized sales of Advantage and against companies that violate its sales policy, which specifies Advantage products are sold only through licensed, practicing veterinarians with a doctor-client-patient relationship.

"Our sales policy protects consumers and their pets from counterfeit products and we will aggressively enforce our policy and take legal action wherever appropriate," said Payne. "Our policy is based on the belief that veterinarians possess the most in-depth knowledge about their clients' pets and can offer them personalized information about the application and proper use of Advantage products."

The company has issued warnings to non-veterinary retail outlets selling counterfeit Advantage products, resulting in the removal of these products from stores' shelves.