Boehringer Ingelheim Calls for Proposals on Equine Pigeon Fever

ST. JOSEPH, Mo., April 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Public and private researchers studying Pigeon Fever (Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis) are invited to submit proposals for the 2012 Equine Research Awards sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI).

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Proposals must address one or more specific criteria to be considered:

• Pathophysiology of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and development of an equine challenge model.
• Virulence factors and strain differences among isolates of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis isolated from internal and external infections and different geographic locations.
• Increased incidence and spread to different geographic locations and association with climate change.
• Comparison of host immunity between infections resulting in internal infection and recurrent infection in recovered horses.
• Seasonality of infection with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and studies of insect vectors.

Veterinarians, diagnosticians and public and private researchers in the United States and Canada are eligible to submit proposals for research programs that help advance the diagnosis, treatment and understanding of Pigeon Fever. BIVI will provide three individual $25,000 awards to fund the selected research proposals.

Proposals must be submitted by September 1, 2012, and will be reviewed by an independent Equine Research Review Board comprising industry professionals, including practicing equine veterinarians and researchers. Awards will be selected based on established criteria, including potential impact on the equine industry; originality and scientific quality; and probability of success in completing the yearlong studies. The awards will be announced during the 2012 American Association of Equine Practitioners Annual Convention in Anaheim, Calif.

The BIVI Equine Research Awards were launched in 2011 to support veterinary research that results in practical applications or insights into important equine diseases and that improves the quality of life for all horses. Each year's awards focus on one specific equine disease area. Equine Rhinitis Virus was the topic for the inaugural awards.

To participate in the research award program, submit a proposal, cover letter, Curriculum Vitae and two letters of recommendation by September 1, 2012, to:

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.
Attn: Dr. Steve Grubbs
"2012 Equine Research Awards"
5506 Corporate Dr., Suite 1600
St. Joseph, MO 64507-7752 USA

For more information and complete submission instructions, please visit us at www.equinediseaseresearch.com.

About Boehringer Ingelheim

The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world's 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 145 affiliates and more than 44,000 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

As a central element of its culture, Boehringer Ingelheim pledges to act socially responsible. Involvement in social projects, caring for employees and their families, and providing equal opportunities for all employees form the foundation of the global operations. Mutual cooperation and respect, as well as environmental protection and sustainability are intrinsic factors in all of Boehringer Ingelheim's endeavors.

In 2011, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about $17.1 billion (13.2 billion euro). R&D expenditure in the business area Prescription Medicines corresponds to 23.5% of its net sales.

For more information, please visit http://us.boehringer-ingelheim.com and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/boehringerus.

SOURCE Boehringer Ingelheim