Rahway, NJ, May 13, 2024 – 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), today announced it will showcase its portfolio of innovative solutions to advance the ruminant health at the World Buiatrics Congress 2024, May 20-24 in Cancun, Mexico. The company will present data from 80 presentations including 24 oral presentations and 56 poster presentations.

The company’s booth (#5) will feature live demonstrations and information about the latest advancements in parasiticides including EXZOLT® 5% (fluralaner), and latest vaccines in cattle health including BOVILIS CRYPTIUM®, the first C. parvum maternal vaccine for cattle; BOVILIS NASALGEN®-C, a vaccine that offers protection for beef and dairy cattle against critical bovine respiratory disease-causing pathogens; and BOVILIS NASALGEN® 3-PMH, an intranasal vaccine for protection against Bovine Respiratory Disease caused by IBR, BRSV, PI3, Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida in beef and dairy cattle.

“At Merck Animal Health, our commitment lies in advancing innovative solutions in science, technology and insights to improve cattle health, welfare, traceability and sustainability with the goal of benefiting farmers, vets and the cattle industry. Our solutions equip those involved in bovine herd health management with the necessary tools to augment operational efficiency and data-driven decisions,” stated Philippe Houffschmitt, DVM, MBA, associate vice president, Global Ruminant Business at Merck Animal Health. “We take pride in sharing our latest research in the World Buiatrics Congress, which contributes to the expanding body of scientific evidence in the management of ruminants’ health and welfare.”

Advancements in Ectoparasite and Infectious Disease Control and Highlighted at Symposia and Events Throughout the Conference

The Economic Impact of Parasites in Beef Cattle

Tuesday, 21 May at 8h45

In this presentation, Dr. Tom Strydom will discuss the significant economic impact parasites have on beef cattle production. Parasitic infections can cause reduced productivity, increased treatment costs, weight loss, decreased fertility, and even mortality in affected animals. This study was published in the Journal Animals.

Cryptosporidiosis in Cattle and Recent Advances in Prevention

Tuesday, 21 May at 11h

Cryptosporidiosis in cattle is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan parasite C. parvum. This disease primarily affects young calves but can also occur in older cattle. Cryptosporidium is a zoonotic pathogen that can infect humans, making it a concern for both animal and public health. In this presentation, Dr. Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora will discuss the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis and how a new vaccine can create an immune response in vaccinated cattle, leading to the production of antibodies against C. parvum. This immune response helps protect the animals from infection and reduces the severity of clinical signs like diarrhea.

A Breakthrough in Ectoparasite Control in Cattle and Its Effect on Welfare and Productivity

Tuesday, 21 May at 15h30

Symposium hosted by Merck Animal Health

This symposium, featuring Dr. Tom Strydom, Dr. Dora Romero Salas, Dr. Daniel Rodrigues, Dr. Fernando Borges and Dr. Tiago Gallina will discuss the new innovative parasiticide, EXZOLT 5% in beef cattle and the sustainable management of parasites.

Brucellosis Control and Challenges

Thursday, 23 May at 15h30

Bovine brucellosis, also known as “Brucella abortus,” is a highly contagious bacterial disease that primarily affects cattle, although it can also infect other ruminant animals such as buffalo, bison, and elk. It is caused by the bacteria Brucella abortus and can have severe implications for both animal and human health. This symposium, featuring Dr. Carlos Fernandes, Dr. Luis Samartino and Dr. Eduardo Luna, will discuss the control of bovine brucellosis using Bovilis RB51 vaccine in adult beef cows, alternatives for the control of bovine brucellosis by vaccination in Latin America and practical strategies in the elimination of bovine brucellosis in Mexico.

A key list of Merck Animal Health presentations at WBC 2024 include:

Advancements in Technology for Ruminants

The adoption of technology solutions on dairy farms can help farmers work more efficiently and improve their quality of life. Two studies demonstrate the benefits of implementing monitoring solutions on commercial dairy farms.

• Abstract 1396: Comparative use of Automated Behavior Monitoring System (ABMS) versus on-Farm Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) for youngstock health in a commercial dairy farm
• Abstract: 1192: Economic and performing benefits of implementing an automated behavior monitoring system in a Brazilian Dairy farm

Efficacy in Parasiticide Treatment (EXZOLT 5%)

A study confirms that that EXZOLT 5% provides a therapeutic efficacy against the most important ectoparasites infesting cattle, along with persistent efficacy against re-infestation.

• Abstract 1193: Efficacy report of a fluralaner pour-on product against ectoparasites infesting cattle in Brazil

Prevalence of, and Advancements in Vaccination

A study found that BOVILIS Cryptium is efficacious in mitigating the impact of C. parvum caused diarrhea in neonatal claves.

• Abstract 1119: Two Clinical Studies to evaluate the efficacy of a novel subunit vaccine in the reduction of clinical signs (i.e., diarrhea) caused by C. parvum infections in neonatal calves

Two studies show that bovine coronavirus is intensively spreading in dairy and veal sources. Most calves are spreading virus in both the respiratory and enteric pathway and high levels of virus transmission are also seen in weaned or older calves.

• Abstract 1150: Prevalence, Biosecurity and Risk Management of Bovine Coronavirus Infections on Dairy Farms in Europe
• Abstract 1149: Prevalence, Biosecurity and Risk Management of Bovine Coronavirus Infections on white and rose veal calf and dairy source beef calf farms in Europe

Benefits of Vaccination at Birth (BOVILIS RB51)

BOVILIS RB51 can be used anytime without interfering with diagnostic results. It doesn’t induce abortions in pregnant animals previously vaccinated as calves, and, moreover, it is an excellent tool to control bovine brucellosis

• Abstract 1055: Advantages of using vaccine Brucella abortus RB51

Veterinary Communication and Education

In preliminary analysis, communication and motivational interviewing training that included an online dialogue trainer improved global scores on Partnership, Empathy and Listening.

• Abstract 1378: Effects of communication training interviewing adherent and non-adherent behavior assessed by herd health recordings

Merck Animal Health is one of the world’s largest innovators for ruminant health, safeguarding animal health and welfare to further prevent the spread of disease. To learn more, please visit www.merck-animal-health.com/species/ruminants/.

About Merck Animal Health

At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we’ve been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines and innovative health solutions for the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals^®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, producers, 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, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA

This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

 Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

Source:- Merck Animal Health