Reading Time: 2 minutes Chicago | Reuters — The U.S. government is testing four potential bird flu vaccines for poultry, officials said on Friday, after more than 58 million chickens, turkeys and other birds have died in the nation’s worst outbreak ever. The trials, conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service, are the first step […] Read more
U.S. begins testing bird flu vaccines for poultry after record outbreak
Four vaccines to be tested
Merck bolsters animal health unit with Allflex deal
Reading Time: 2 minutes Reuters — Merck and Co. said on Friday it will buy privately-held French company Antelliq Group, which makes digital identification products for livestock, for about 2.1 billion euros (C$3.19 billion) to bolster its fast-growing animal health business. The move affirms the drugmaker’s commitment to the business, which Wall Street analysts have long seen value in […] Read more
Bayer to consider shedding animal health unit
Reading Time: 2 minutes Leverkusen, Germany | Reuters –– Bayer might look into selling its animal health division if it continues to struggle to find takeover targets for the business, the German drugmaker’s incoming chief executive said. “Animal Health is a business that we have been trying for many years to strengthen strategically, that is to say inorganically. That […] Read more
Merck to buy Harrisvaccines to boost livestock portfolio
Reading Time: < 1 minute Chicago | Reuters — Merck and Co.’s animal health unit will buy privately-held Harrisvaccines to expand its portfolio of animal vaccines as the U.S. livestock industry seeks new defenses against diseases, the companies said on Thursday. Financial details were not disclosed. The deal, which is expected to close by year-end, follows rival Zoetis’ agreement, announced […] Read more
Zilmax cleared for component feeding in Canada
Reading Time: 3 minutes Canada has granted the makers of cattle feed additive Zilmax an expanded product label that allows for component feeding at the lower end of its dosage range — and draws the line for a maximum rate in complete feed. Merck Animal Health on Friday announced approval from Health Canada’s Veterinary Drugs Directorate (VDD) to update […] Read more
Merck funds tests of lower Zilmax doses
Reading Time: 3 minutes Chicago | Reuters –– Merck and Co. is funding the testing of lower dosages of its controversial cattle growth drug Zilmax, in a move livestock experts say is crucial if the company is to resume sales of the product to the U.S. beef industry. Nearly 18 months after Merck pulled the drug from U.S. and […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
