Boehringer Ingelheim launches PRRS research award

Boehringer Ingelheim has announced the launch of its 2014 European PRRS Research Award, a scheme that aims to encourage studies into new means of combating a common swine disease.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) affects pigs worldwide and causes reproductive failure in breeding stock and respiratory tract illness, leading to animal suffering and economic damage.

The 2014 European PRRS Research Award will provide three grants of 25,000 euros (20,500 pounds) each to fund three research proposals to generate new and practical information to better understand the disease.

It will help to encourage the study of practical application of PRRS control strategies and interaction among swine researchers and vets, as well as enhancing communication on practical PRRS control strategies.

The recipients of this year's awards will be announced in October 2014.

Boehringer Ingelheim is responsible for the development of numerous medicines for pigs, including Ingelvac CircoFLEX, which has been used in more than one billion pigs worldwide.