US - Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., (BIVI) is again seeking research study proposals focused on one of the swine industry's most devastating diseases - porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS).
For the last six years, BIVI has contributed $75,000 annually through its Advancement in PRRS Research Awards, which funds three selected research programs. The company's PRRS research program is open to swine practitioners, diagnosticians or public and private researchers in the United States, Canada and Mexico to investigate new ways to diagnose, control and eradicate this costly swine disease.

Research proposals must be submitted by January 1, 2009 and awards will be presented during the 2009 American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) conference in Dallas. Proposals are selected by an independent review board 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.

The 2008 Advancement in PRRS Research Award recipients were Jim Lowe, DVM, Carthage Veterinary Service, Carthage, Ill.; Paul Yeske, DVM, Swine Vet Center, St. Peter, Minn.; and Scott Dee, DVM, PhD, University of Minnesota, St. Paul.

To participate in the research program, submit a proposal, cover sheet, Curriculum Vitae and two letters of recommendation by January 1, 2009, to:

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.
Attn: Trudy Luther
"The Advanced PRRS Research Award"
5506 Corporate Dr., Suite 1600
St. Joseph, MO 64507-7752 USA