Since 2003, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., (BIVI) has contributed more than $900,000 through its Advancement in PRRS Research Awards to fund 37 selected research programs. According to Michelle Sprague, DVM, president of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV), results from the BIVI-funded research studies have contributed significantly to the industry’s understanding of the disease and how to more effectively manage it.
“After more than 20 years in North America, PRRS continues to be a major disease challenge for swine veterinarians and producers, and during this time we have learned much about the virus, how it is transmitted and how to better control it,” Sprague says. “Collaborative applied field research will provide the keys to effectively control and eradicate PRRS, helping swine producers raise healthier, more profitable pigs.”
For its 2015 PRRS Research Awards, the company is again seeking study proposals from swine veterinarians, diagnosticians, and public and private veterinary researchers in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Selected research programs are designed to investigate new ways to diagnose, control and eradicate one of the world’s most costly swine diseases.
Boehringer Ingelheim encourages people interested in submitting research award proposals to do so by January 1, 2015, and complete details can be found at http://www.prrsresearch.com. Research award recipients will be announced at the AASV annual meeting in Orlando next March. Proposals will be reviewed by an independent scientific board and awarded based on established criteria including potential economic impact to the swine industry, originality and scientific quality and probability of success in completing the year-long study.
This year, BIVI recognized three veterinarians and researchers for the 2014 Advancement in PRRS Research Awards program in Dallas. These recipients were Brad Leuwerke, DVM, Swine Vet Center, St. Peter, Minn.; Andres Perez, DVM, Ph.D., University of Minnesota, St. Paul; and Jeff Zimmerman, DVM, PhD, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
To participate in the PRRS research program, submit a proposal, cover sheet, curriculum vitae and two letters of recommendation by January 1, 2015, to:
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.
Attn: Trudy Luther
The Advancement in PRRS Research Award
3902 Gene Field Rd
St. Joseph, MO 64506 USA
For more information and complete submission instructions, please visit the PRRS Research Award website at http://www.prrsresearch.com.