58 studies highlighted advances across areas including neonatal calf health, respiratory disease prevention and livestock monitoring technologies

RAHWAY, N.J., Sept. 29, 2026 – Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), presented more than 50 new studies at the 33rd World Buiatrics Congress in Istanbul, Turkey. The company presented data spanning the continuum of ruminant health, from neonatal calf health and early calf development to respiratory health, infectious diseases, parasitology, herd management and monitoring technologies, including seven oral presentations, 51 poster presentations and a sponsored symposium on calf health.
 
Research presented at the congress highlighted a comprehensive body of evidence examining maternal vaccination against Cryptosporidium parvum and its potential role in supporting neonatal calf health. The data include research exploring the mechanism of GP40-mediated passive immunity, studies evaluating antibody transfer from vaccinated dams to calves, and field investigations assessing calf health outcomes and the frequency of therapeutic interventions following maternal vaccination. Together, these findings contribute to a growing understanding of how preventive approaches may support calf health while potentially reducing the need for intervention. Additional presentations highlighted advancements in respiratory disease prevention, responsible antibiotic use and automated monitoring technologies designed to support data-driven herd management decisions
 
“Our presence at the World Buiatrics Congress reflects Merck Animal Health’s commitment to advancing science that is both rigorous and directly relevant to the challenges veterinarians and producers face every day,” said Tiago Arantes, associate vice president of the global ruminant business at Merck Animal Health. “The breadth of research highlights our leadership in bovine health and our commitment to generating meaningful science with real-world impact, demonstrating how science can help veterinarians and producers make more informed decisions and improve outcomes.”
 
Advancements in Neonatal Calf Health and Cryptosporidiosis Prevention

Neonatal calf diarrhea remains one of the most significant health challenges affecting cattle operations worldwide. Research presented will explore the science behind GP40-mediated passive immunity, maternal vaccination against C. parvum, antibody transfer through colostrum and transition milk, and field outcomes related to calf health, therapeutic interventions and disease management. Together, these studies contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting comprehensive approaches to improving neonatal calf health. Key presentations included:

Unravelling the Mechanism of GP40-Mediated Passive Immunity Against Cryptosporidiosis
Research explores the biological mechanisms through which GP40-specific antibodies may contribute to passive protection against C. parvum infection in calves.
 
Longitudinal Multicenter Field Trial Evaluating the Serological Response to Maternal Vaccination Against Cryptosporidium parvum in Newborn Holstein-Friesian Calves
A multicenter field study evaluates antibody responses in newborn calves following maternal vaccination against cryptosporidiosis.
 
The Effect of Vaccinating Cows Against Cryptosporidiosis on the Frequency of Therapeutic Interventions in Calves
Researchers evaluate the impact of maternal vaccination on the frequency of therapeutic interventions in calves under field conditions.
 
Control of Neonatal Cryptosporidiosis in Large Dairy Farms Using Maternal GP40 Vaccination and Extended Transition Milk Feeding: A Potential Alternative to Metaphylaxis?
This study examines maternal vaccination and extended transition milk feeding as part of an integrated strategy for managing neonatal cryptosporidiosis.
 
Medium-Term Follow-Up of Neonatal Cryptosporidiosis Control in Beef Cattle Through Dam Vaccination: Impact on Calf Health, Paromomycin Use and Growth
Findings evaluate the longer-term impact of dam vaccination on calf health outcomes, antimicrobial use and growth performance in beef herds.
 
Farmer Compliance with Maternal Vaccination Against Neonatal Calf Diarrhea (Cryptosporidium parvum): A Field Evaluation
Research examines adoption and implementation of maternal vaccination programs under commercial farm conditions.

Respiratory Disease Prevention and Bovine Coronavirus Research

Bovine respiratory disease continues to present a substantial challenge to cattle health and productivity. Presentations explored the role of bovine coronavirus within the respiratory disease complex, field outcomes associated with intranasal vaccination strategies and approaches that may support responsible antibiotic use. Highlights included:

Simultaneous Intranasal Vaccination Against Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Parainfluenza-3 Virus, and Bovine Coronavirus Reduces Antibiotic Use in Dutch Veal Calf Settings
A multicenter historical-control study examines the association between simultaneous intranasal vaccination and antibiotic use in Dutch veal calf operations.
 
Randomized Field Trial on the Effects of On-Arrival Intranasal Vaccination Against Bovine Coronavirus on Ultrasound-Confirmed Pneumonia and Average Daily Gain in Beef-on-Dairy Veal Calves
Researchers evaluate respiratory health and growth outcomes following on-arrival intranasal vaccination against bovine coronavirus.
 
Efficacy of an Intranasal Bovine Coronavirus Vaccine on Lung Health and Growth Performance in Pre-Weaned Calves
A field study evaluates lung health and average daily gain in pre-weaned calves following intranasal bovine coronavirus vaccination.
 
New Kid on the Block? Bovine Coronavirus Detection in Different Types of Respiratory Samples and Interactions with Other Pathogens and Season
Research examines bovine coronavirus detection in different respiratory samples, interactions with other pathogens and seasonal patterns.

Smart Farming and Youngstock Monitoring

Automated monitoring technologies like SenseHub Dairy provide continuous behavioral and activity monitoring that generate actionable insights to support cattle health, reproduction and herd management. Several presentations and posters explored how animal behavior data can be used to optimize youngstock management, facilitate the early detection of sick animals from birth to adulthood, improve understanding of calf development, and identify relationships between early-life behavioral patterns and long-term performance outcomes, including:

From Data to Decisions: A Qualitative Study on the Day-to-Day Use of Youngstock Health Monitoring Sensors in Dairy Farming
Researchers explore how farmers use youngstock monitoring technologies in routine dairy management and the factors influencing their integration.
 
Cattle Care 24/7: A Holistic Approach Combining Monitoring, Consultation and Preventive Solutions Improving Calf Health and Average Daily Gain on Five Danish Dairy Farms
The study evaluates an approach combining monitoring, consultation and preventive solutions on five Danish dairy farms.
 
Early Rumination as a Functional Indicator of the Transition From Milk-Fed Calf to Ruminant
Research evaluates the relationship between early rumination behavior and subsequent growth performance in dairy calves.
 
The company also hosted a satellite symposium, Starting Strong: Managing Neonatal Calf Diarrhea with New Insights and Proven Practice, which explored current scientific understanding of neonatal calf diarrhea and practical, evidence-based strategies to support calf health.