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Award will fund new data to better understand costly disease

Animal health firm Boehringer Ingelheim is calling for submissions to the 2020 European PRRS Research Award.

This is the fifth year that Boehringer has sponsored the award, which encourages research into the improved control of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). Researchers have until 1 July 2020 to submit their proposals, three of which will each receive 25,000 of funding.

Researchers hope the award will not only enhance communication between swine researchers and veterinary surgeons but also stimulate interaction in the industry on practical PRRS control strategies.

Boehringer writes: 'The PRRS viral disease infects pigs around the globe by causing respiratory tract illness in growing pigs and reproductive failure in breeding stock; Boehringer Ingelheim strives to find solutions for sustainable PRRS control.

'An independent review board will assess each proposal carefully. Members of the review board are highly recognized swine industry professionals including researchers and practitioners. The board will select proposals based on several factors, including their significance, potential for impact on the swine industry, originality and innovation.'

Applications to submit research proposals should be sent via email to paulina.hoerstermann@boehringer-ingelheim.com. Further information on the submission process could be found on www.prrs.com.