Merck Animal Health Announces Presentation of Dr. Bart Rispens Research Award at the World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA) 2015 Congress

Award to Honour Best Original Research Published in Avian Pathology

MADISON, N.J., September 3, 2015 – Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada) and the World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA) today announced they will present the Dr. Bart Rispens Research Award in the opening ceremony of the WVPA 2015 Congress taking place in Cape Town, South Africa from September 7-11. The award will honour the lead author of the best original research paper published over the past two years in the WVPA journal Avian Pathology.

The award was established in 1973 in memory of Dr. Bart Rispens, who is known worldwide for the development of the CVI-988 vaccine to protect poultry against Marek’s disease. Marek’s disease affects young chickens all over the world and can result in tumors, paralysis and even death. Merck Animal Health has sponsored the Dr. Bart Rispens Research award since 2007 and has recently committed to supporting the award until 2025.

“We are grateful for Merck Animal Health’s continued support of the Dr. Bart Rispens Research Award,” said WVPA’s Nigel Horrox, “This important award honours the legacy of Dr. Rispens in the best way possible – by continuing to foster the spirit of innovation that is exemplified by his work in poultry health.”

The award recipient will be selected by a committee that includes representatives from the Board of the WVPA, Avian Pathology and Merck Animal Health, as well as four appointed scientists. The winner will receive the Dr. Bart Rispens Research Award medallion, as well as a monetary gift.

“Merck Animal Health is pleased to present the Dr. Bart Rispens Research Award in partnership with the WVPA,” said Dr. Rik Koopman, global technical director, MSD Animal Health. “We are committed to improving the health and performance of poultry, and are proud to support and honour researchers that are making important advances in poultry health.”

For more information on the WVPA 2015 Congress, visit http://www.wvpac2015.com.

About Merck Animal Health
Today’s Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals™, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter .

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