Since 2003, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. (BIVI) has contributed more than $900,000 through its Advancement in PRRS (Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome) Research Awards to fund 37 selected research programs. According to Michelle Sprague, president of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV), results from the BIVI-funded research studies have contributed significantly to the industry’s understanding of the disease and how to more effectively manage it.

For its 2015 PRRS Research Awards, the company is again seeking study proposals from swine veterinarians, diagnosticians, and public and private veterinary researchers in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Selected research programs are designed to investigate new ways to diagnose, control and eradicate one of the world’s most costly swine diseases.

BIVI encourages people interested in submitting research award proposals to do so by Jan. 1, and complete details can be found at www.prrsresearch.com. Research award recipients will be announced at the AASV annual meeting in Orlando next March. Proposals will be reviewed by an independent scientific board and awarded based on established criteria including potential economic impact to the swine industry, originality and scientific quality and probability of success in completing the year-long study.

This year, BIVI recognized three veterinarians and researchers for the 2014 Advancement in PRRS Research Awards program in Dallas. These recipients were Brad Leuwerke, Swine Vet Center, St. Peter, MN; Andres Perez, University of Minnesota, St. Paul; and Jeff Zimmerman, Iowa State University, Ames, IA.

To participate in the PRRS research program, submit a proposal, cover sheet, curriculum vitae and two letters of recommendation by Jan. 1 to:

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc.
Attn: Trudy Luther
The Advancement in PRRS Research Award
3902 Gene Field Rd
St. Joseph, MO 64506 USA

For more information and complete submission instructions, visit the PRRS Research Award website at www.prrsresearch.com.