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Brakke Consulting’s
Animal Health News & Notes for July 1, 2011
Copyright © Brakke Consulting, Inc.
Editor: Lynn Fondon, DVM MBA
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IN THE NEWS:
Brakke news
recruiting
other news
Cipla
Garmin
IDEXX
Intervet/Schering-Plough
Merck Animal Health
Merial
MSD Animal Health
Novus
Pfizer
RenovoCyte
Synbiotics
Tri-Tronics
Velcera
Verenium
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BRAKKE CONSULTING, INC.
EXECUTIVE AND SALES FORCE RECRUITING
Since 1986 Brakke Consulting, Inc. has successfully assisted many clients in acquiring exceptional employees at all levels, in the many departments of animal health, pet, veterinary and specialty chemical companies. We pre-qualify candidates, allowing clients to choose from a few of the best applicants for a position. Our approach increases the efficiency and effectiveness of the Human Resources Departments of client companies. For more information, visit our website.
www.BrakkeConsulting.com
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COMPANY NEWS RELEASES
> Merial announced that the US District Court has ruled that Merial’s US patent covering Frontline Plus is valid and the PetArmor Plus products infringe the patent. The court ruled that Cipla Ltd. and Velcera Inc. were aware that their sales of PetArmor Plus products infringed Merial’s patent and barred those 2 companies from further sales of these products in the US. The court ordered the seizure of any existing inventory in the US; a hearing will be held to determine an award to Merial for damages. (company press release)
> Merck’s animal health division, formerly known as Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, announced that it will now be known as Merck Animal Health; it will be known as MSD Animal Health outside the US and Canada. (company press release)
> Pfizer Animal Health introduced a new Synbiotics USDA-licensed poultry kit, ProFLOK MG/MS. This ELISA Kit is a rapid and specific presumptive screening test for the detection of antibody to Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae in chicken and turkey serum samples. (company press release)
> IDEXX announced the release of the IDEXX M. bovis Ab Test for sale outside the US. Utilizing standardized ELISA methodology, this new laboratory-based test offers an additional measure to help control and eradicate bovine tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis. (company press release)
> Verenium Corporation and Novus International Inc. announced a strategic collaboration to jointly develop and commercialize a suite of new enzyme products from Verenium’s product pipeline in the animal health and nutrition area. The initial focus of the partnership will be on select late-stage product candidates from Verenium’s pipeline targeting the poultry, swine, beef, dairy, aquaculture and companion animal markets. (PRNewswire)
> Garmin Ltd., announced that one of its subsidiaries has signed an agreement to acquire Tri-Tronics Inc., the leading designer and manufacturer of electronic dog training equipment. Tri-Tronics will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. Financial terms were not disclosed. (Business Wire)
> Medistem Inc. announced that licensee and collaborator RenovoCyte LLC was granted INAD numbers for the use of Endometrial Regenerative Cells (ERC) in the equine, canine, feline, and lagomorph species. RenovoCyte has developed a repertoire of universal donor cells and rationale for efficacy in a variety of inflammatory, autoimmune, and degenerative conditions. This approval is the first step towards commercialization of the ERC in the veterinary market. (MarketWire)
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ANIMAL HEALTH NEWS
> NETHERLANDS – AVIAN INFLUENZA Avian influenza has been confirmed on a battery egg farm in the Netherlands. All 69,000 hens on the farm will be destroyed and the birds on three neighboring farms checked for signs of infection. It is not yet clear whether the outbreak is a mild or aggressive variant of the disease. The last serious outbreak of avian influenza in the Netherlands was in 2003. (Dutchnews.nl)
> AUSTRALIA – HENDRA VIRUS A horse near Brisbane, Australia, has died after contracting Hendra virus. This is the 15th outbreak of Hendra since its discovery in 1994. (AVMA SmartBrief)
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BRAKKE CONSULTING VIEWPOINT
I hope those of you in the US are prepared for Independence Day (July 4th). Here in Texas it looks like it’s going to be a “hot one”. If you’ve not heard, Texas is currently experiencing high temperatures and severe drought in much of the state. The cow calf operations in a large area of the state have been suffering and we’re seeing extensive herd reductions. These herd reductions have long-term implications for animal health suppliers since Texas has by far the largest beef cattle numbers. Currently 236 of our 255 counties have a burn bans which is another indication of the seriousness of the drought. Many counties and cities are prohibiting the sale and/or use of “fireworks” this weekend, which means it’s really bad!!
On the other end of the spectrum it just keeps raining in the upper Midwest, where much of the US corn and soybeans are raised. Flooding is a major problem in many of the highly productive areas, which will impact crop yields and prices this fall. So, it could be an interesting time this fall. In addition to the weather, other interesting events in the animal health area this week are the generic fipronil battles!! Sounds like it’s a good time to be an attorney!!
Have an enjoyable and safe 4th of July Holiday Weekend! Remember to keep your punk dry, and light all your fireworks downwind!!
Ron Brakke
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