News briefs: Week of March 19

Mars Petcare units its attractions at the long term

Mars Petcare unveiled two techniques designed to fortify innovation and the following era of disruptors within the puppy care trade. Leap Venture Studio, created in partnership with the Michelson Found Animals Foundation and R/GA Ventures, is a start-up accelerator targeted at the long term of puppy care. The moment program, the Companion Fund, is a $100 million undertaking capital fund controlled via Digitalis Ventures and devoted to fueling the expansion of puppy care companies. “We’re excited to support entrepreneurs and innovators in creating new products and services that deliver on our purpose: a better world for pets,” mentioned Poul Weihrauch, president of Mars Petcare. “The extraordinary opportunities of connected technology and data are open to all. Match them with the expansive reach, resources and core capabilities of a company like Mars, and together we can create a powerful force for change.”

Qantas Airlines invests in dog-walking app

Qantas Airlines invested $five million within the dog-walking app Mad Paws, an Australian startup that connects canine walkers and puppy sitters with puppy house owners, TechCrunch reported. Qantas and Mad Paws in the past partnered via letting Mad Paws contributors earn Qantas widespread flier issues. Qantas mentioned that making an investment within the app made sense as a result of just about two-thirds of its shoppers are puppy house owners.

56 veterinary scholars earn Merck scholarships

Fifty-six veterinary scholars from world wide won scholarships from Merck Animal Health in partnership with the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Through the Merck Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarship Program, the second- and third-year scholars pursuing careers in better half animal or huge animal drugs will every obtain a $five,000 scholarship. “We’re honored to support these recipients, as the work they do throughout their careers will have an important impact on the animal health industry, helping to advance the well-being of both companion and large animals,” mentioned Scott Bormann, North American vice chairman at Merck Animal Health.

Canine parvovirus instances spreading

According to KNWA-TV, veterinarians are on prime alert because of dog parvovirus spreading throughout northwest Arkansas. “It truly is spreading like wildfire,” mentioned Taylor Rolland, DVM, of Wedington Animal Hospital in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Bimeda hires equine gross sales supervisor

Clark Weaver used to be appointed equine gross sales supervisor on the veterinary pharmaceutical corporate Bimeda Inc. Weaver in the past labored for 10 years at MWI Veterinary Supply as director of equine.

Mexico experiences chook flu instances

Mexico reported two outbreaks of the extremely pathogenic H7N3 chook flu virus within the central section of the rustic. One used to be at a hen farm, the World Organization for Animal Health mentioned.

Boehringer Ingelheim problems $105,000 in analysis grants

Boehringer Ingelheim awarded 3 $35,000 grants to fortify analysis into animal respiration illness. The recipients are Doug Marthaler, Ph.D., of Kansas State University; Jordan Graham, DVM, MS, of the Swine Vet Center in St. Peter, Minnesota; and Juan Sanhueza, DVM, MS, Ph.D., of the University of Minnesota.