Merck Animal Health Hosts: A One Health Approach to Vector-Borne Diseases

Registration Open for Live Virtual Event on Wednesday, March 2, 2022

MADISON, N.J., January 21, 2022 – Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), is proud to host a virtual event featuring experts in public health, veterinary medicine and parasitology, who will share their perspectives on managing the threat of vector-borne diseases.

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) account for an estimated 17% of the global burden of all infectious diseases. In addition, more than 60% of known infectious diseases in people can be spread from animals, through direct or indirect contact, vectors, food and water, and 75% of new or emerging infectious diseases in people come from animals. The One Health approach is uniquely suited to help with the prevention of emergence and spread of VBDs through traceability, appropriate vaccination policies and ongoing monitoring and treatment. This virtual event will feature:

  • Overview of the One Health approach with Dr. Jane Sykes, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Julie Gerberding, population health & sustainability, Merck; moderated by Dr. Alasdair King, international veterinary health, Merck Animal Health (10:00-10:45 a.m. ET)
  • Panel discussion on VBDs as a model for the One Health approach, featuring Dr. Peter Irwin, College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University; Dr. Susan Little, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University; Prof. Guadalupe Miró, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Universidad Complutense of Madrid; Dr. Paul Overgaauw, Veterinary Public Health, Utrecht University; and Prof. Richard Wall, School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol (10:45-11:45 a.m. ET)
  • New data and insights on pet owner compliance with current parasite treatment recommendations and keeping pets who live in our homes free from VBDs, by Dr. Robert Lavan, Director, Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence, Merck Animal Health (11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. ET)

This event is approved through the American Association of Veterinary State Board’s Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) for 2.5 hours and hosted through the Webinar Vets platform.

Registrants will also have access to additional free webinars given by leading experts on some of the most prevalent vector-borne diseases found today.

Those interested in attending can register here.

As one of the only biopharmaceutical companies focused on both human and animal health, and in recognition of the connection between the health of people and animals and our shared environment, Merck is actively collaborating with human, animal and environmental health stakeholders to tackle major population health challenges, including antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, vector-borne diseases, ensuring a safe and sustainable food supply as well as sustainable practices which protect our environment.     

“Many external factors impacting society have contributed to spread of vector borne diseases, making the One Health approach more important now than ever,” said Fernando Riaza Carcamo, vice president, global marketing, Merck Animal Health. “Our company is committed to improving the health of people and animals that share our complex and ever-changing environment through the discovery and development of preventative solutions for existing and emerging diseases.”

About Merck Animal Health

For over 130 years, Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, 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 ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. 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 and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.