Pfizer Animal Health buys aquaculture vaccine firm Microtek

Pfizer Animal Health has acquired aquaculture vaccines, research and healthcare specialist Microtek in a bid to expand the scope of its business.

The newly-purchased firm will allow Pfizer Animal Health to increase its portfolio of health diagnostics and services for food animals, while gaining the expertise of Microtek president and chief executive officer William Kay, who becomes a Pfizer consultant as part of the agreement.

According to Pfizer, the deal has been agreed due to the growing importance of the farmed fish market, which is expanding to meet increased global demand.

Juan Ramon Alaix, president of Pfizer Animal Health, expressed confidence that the “time is right” for the firm to enter the aquaculture healthcare therapeutics market.

He added: “The integration of Microtek research and development into Pfizer Animal Health will also allow us to build a more diverse and innovative portfolio in biopharmaceuticals.”

Last week, it was announced that Pfizer Animal Health will once again be sponsoring the annual Pfizer Trainee of the Year Awards for the pig and poultry industries, in association with the journals Pig World and Poultry World.