Merck Animal Health statement on transparency

16 April 2012

Regarding recent attention to the relationship between academic and industry science about studies on Merck Animal Health's Zilmax(R) (zilpaterol hydrochloride 4.8%), an FDA-approved feed supplement for feedlot cattle, the company supports a variety of veterinary, nutritional and scientific education initiatives to help animal health and livestock professionals achieve improved standards of overall animal care by delivering balanced scientific information, often in collaboration with world-renowned researchers and other professionals with extensive knowledge and expertise.

Merck Animal Health has long-standing collaborative relationships with a number of leading researchers, academicians and other animal health experts in order to advance the science.

We believe that providing support through grants or donations to third-party veterinary organizations is an important way to advance our mutual objectives to improve health and advance animal care.