ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (August 5, 2009) – Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., (BIVI) is again seeking research study proposals focused on one of the swine industry’s most devastating diseases -- porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS).

For the last seven years, BIVI has contributed at least $75,000 annually through its Advancement in PRRS Research Awards, which fund three selected research programs. The company’s PRRS research program is open to swine practitioners, diagnosticians or public and private researchers in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Selected programs are designed to investigate new ways to diagnose, control and eradicate this costly swine disease.

Research proposals must be submitted by January 1, 2010 and awards will be presented during the 2010 American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Annual Meeting in Omaha. Proposals will be selected by an independent review board based on established criteria including potential economic impact to the swine industry, originality and scientific quality and probability of success in completing the year-long study.

The 2009 Advancement in PRRS Research Award recipients were Jerry Torrison, DVM, Ph.D., University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn.; Darwin Reickes, DVM, Swine Vet Center, St. Peter, Minn.; Spencer Wayne, DVM, Pipestone Veterinary Clinic, Pipestone, Minn.; and Amber Stricker, DVM, MS, Suidae Health and Production, Algona, Iowa.

To participate in the research program, submit a proposal, cover sheet, Curriculum Vitae and two letters of recommendation by January 1, 2010, to: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Attn: Trudy Luther “The Advanced PRRS Research Award” 5506 Corporate Dr., Suite 1600 St. Joseph, MO 64507-7752 USA For more information and complete submission instructions, please visit us at www.PRRSresearch.com.