Merck Animal Health Awards $50,000 in Scholarships to Five Next Generation Swine Veterinarians

March 4, 2026

Scholarship program helps advance veterinary education to support the future of swine health and production

RAHWAY, N.J., March 4, 2026 – Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced its continued commitment to the next generation of veterinarians in the swine industry by partnering with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians Foundation (AASVF) to sponsor the 2026 recipients of the AASVF and Merck Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarship Program.

Scholarships totaling $50,000 were awarded to five veterinary students for 2026. The recipients were announced at the 57th AASV Annual Meeting, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, Feb. 28 -March 3.

The following students were each awarded a $10,000 scholarship:

Ginny Bass, North Carolina State University, Class of 2027
Ayva Bohr, Iowa State University, Class of 2028
Molly Jones, North Carolina State University, Class of 2027
Ben Rogers, University of Illinois, Class of 2028
Emma Zwart, Iowa State University, Class of 2027

“Supporting veterinary students is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of the livestock industry,” said Justin Welsh, D.V.M., executive director of livestock technical services, Merck Animal Health. “These talented recipients have demonstrated a strong commitment to swine health and well-being, and we are proud to help them advance their education as they prepare for careers in the veterinary profession.”

“The AASV and the AASV Foundation are grateful for Merck Animal Health’s long-standing support for the AASVF-Merck Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarship Program,” said Harry Snelson, D.V.M., AASV executive director. “This funding directly helps veterinary students who have chosen a career in swine medicine, easing some of the financial burden of their training at a time when educational costs continue to rise.”

Second- and third-year students enrolled in American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited or recognized colleges of veterinary medicine in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America and the Caribbean Islands are eligible for the scholarship. Learn more at www.aasv.org.

Jack Creel, D.V.M., with Merck Animal Health, presented the AASVF-Merck Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarships to (from left) Molly Jones, Ayva Bohr, Ginny Bass, Ben Rogers and Emma Zwart.

About Merck Animal Health

Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is a global animal health business committed to The Science of Healthier Animals™. For more than 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way. Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence. Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

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