Merial sponsors WEVA Applied Equine Research Award

Merial has provided sponsorship for the World Equine Veterinary Association's (WEVA's) Applied Equine Research Award for the first time this year.

The accolade has been presented annually by the industry organisation since 1991 and was given this year to Dr Anthony Blikslager, a prodigious equine research expert who has produced more than 120 peer-reviewed publications.

He has excelled particularly in the area of equine pain management, which was the topic of focus for the 2011 awards and is considered to be an underserved field of research.

Dr Silke Birlenbach, head of Merial's global strategic marketing unit for the equine sector, said the company is delighted to be able to help honour the work of prestigious scientists in animal health.

"The award recognises people who are committed to innovation and who are working at the frontiers of equine veterinary medicine – people whose values we share," she added.

Currently, the company is accepting submissions for its own European Clinical Case Award scheme, which also focuses on the topic of pain management expertise and is sponsored by the Previcox and Equioxx brands.