MSD Animal Health honours young researchers at flu research symposium

MSD Animal Health has provided awards and the promise of further support to young researchers at the recent International Symposium on Neglected Influenza Viruses.

Held in Athens, Georgia, the event saw the company provide two Junior Investigator Best Speaker Awards to Tavis Anderson and Erik Karlsson, with a pair of Junior Investigator Best Poster Awards given to Mario Aramouni and Sarah Nelson.

The researchers were recognised for their work in furthering understanding of strains of influenza affecting swine and birds.

With these accolades, the company aims to encourage ongoing studies into important aspects of influenza research that may have implications for human as well as animal health.

Alasdair King of MSD Animal Health said: "Funding bottlenecks were identified as a real hurdle for young scientists and we are pleased to have the opportunity to support the next generation of scientists in this important work."

Last month, the company was granted European approval for a new label expansion for its swine respiratory disease treatment Zuprevo, allowing it to be used preemptively in animals suspected for contracting the disease that have not actually been diagnosed.