Merck Animal Health Supports Young Veterinarian in Tropical Animal Health Research

MADISON, NJ, September 5, 2016 – Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the US and Canada) today announced it will sponsor veterinarian, Wudu Temesgen Jemberu, who will present data on the economic impact of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Ethiopia at the the combined meeting of the Association of Institutions for Tropical Veterinary Medicine (AITVM) and the Society of Tropical Veterinary Medicine (STVM), in Berlin, Germany, September 4-8, 2016.
The World Animal Health Organization considers Foot and Mouth Disease to be one of the most prevalent transboundary diseases in the world. With livestock exportation being an important economic driver in the country, this highly contagious, viral disease greatly impacts international trade opportunities for Ethiopia. Dr. Jemberu estimates that, while the disease has a local economic impact of 1,354 million birr (61 million USD), the greater impact is on food and nutrition security.
“Tropical animal diseases have serious economic and public health impact, not only in my country, but many others around the world. This conference will help me gain a better understanding of the current status and future direction of tropical disease research from some of the most influential global scholars around the world,” stated Dr. Jemberu.
Dr. Jemberu, a veterinarian and faculty member at the Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Gondar, Ethiopia, was selected as the winner of the Merck Student Award for Excellence in Tropical Animal Health Research, from a strong field of applicants from developing countries, for his strong, continued efforts to uncover the true economic impact and benefit of controlling FMD.
“As part of our commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals, Merck Animal Health is proud to invest in the futures of young veterinary professionals at the start of their careers and is committed to support and partner with new researchers in the veterinary industry,” said Alasdair King, director, Intergovernmental Health, Merck Animal Health.
To learn more about the AITVM-STVM Joint Conference, visit http://www.aitvm-stvm2016.com/.

About Merck Animal Health

For 125 years, Merck has been a global health care leader working to help the world be well. Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals™, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter at @MerckAH.

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