Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Zoetis set to acquire Abaxis
The veterinary diagnostics category is estimated to be worth more than $3 billion.
Merger will enhance Zoetis’ presence in veterinary diagnostics

Leading animal health company Zoetis has announced plans to merge with Abaxis, a leading global provider of veterinary diagnostic instruments.

In a joint press release, the companies said the move would enhance Zoetis’ presence in veterinary diagnostics.

Zoetis chief executive officer Juan Ramon Alaix said: “Together we can bring more veterinarian customers a broader range of products that fit into our comprehensive solutions and innovations, from prediction and early detection of disease in animals to prevention and treatment.”

Abaxis chairman and chief executive officer Clint Severson added: “We see a prime opportunity to grow our business as part of Zoetis. We recently invested in expanding operations in Europe, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific Region, with 20 per cent of revenue in fiscal year 2018 coming from our international operations.

“Zoetis has the global presence and direct veterinary customer relationships to deliver greater value to more customers around the world and accelerate the growth of our international operations.”

The veterinary diagnostics category is estimated to be worth more than $3 billion, with a compound annual growth of 10 per cent over the past three years.

Zoetis expects the diagnostics category to continue faster than the animal health industry, with growth driven by rising medicalisation rates, increasing standards of veterinary care and the convenience of in-clinic testing.

Zoetis expects to complete the acquisition by the end of 2018 and says that it intends to fund the purchase through a combination of existing cash and new debt.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.