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Merial acquired by Boehringer Ingelheim
The businesses have combined to form the new Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Business Unit.
Combined animal health business is the world’s second largest
 
Boehringer Ingelheim has announced its acquisition of Merial, making it the second largest animal health business in the world.

The businesses have combined to form the new Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Business Unit, which is headed up by Joachim Hasenmaier.

“Our complementary portfolios make these two businesses a perfect fit,” Hasenmaier said. “As one animal health business, Boehringer Ingelheim has the increased expertise and resources to offer more innovation and a broader range of animal health solutions across the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) region.

“We are passionate about animal health, and we share a common vision. We recognise the critical importance of serving animal health needs globally, with a focus on prevention. When animals are healthy, humans are healthier too, and we commit to making the industry even better at improving both human and animal health.”

Growth in the META region will be led by Herbert Pohle, the newly appointed head of animal health operations. Pohle is based in the United Arab Emirates and will oversee the company’s integration, growth and development into a robust animal health business in the region, with a mandate to drive market leadership in sales, innovation and customer service.

Pohle said: “This is an exciting time for the Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health business and for the industry in the region. We have a dedicated and strong team throughout the META, and we will work towards improving human and animal health.”

Hasenmaier added: “We will continue to invest in our leadership positions in equine and pets and to strengthen and build in cattle, poultry and other livestock. And we will continue our special focus on prevention as a leader in vaccines and anti-parasitics, while ensuring we address the spectrum of health treatment needs in the region.

“We want to support farmers to raise and care for animals in a healthy, sustainable, and financially viable way that builds confidence with consumers. We want to help pets live longer and better. And we commit to maintaining the excellent service our customers and partners expect throughout the region. As a family-owned business, we can take the long-term perspective to achieve this.”

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.