Mars Petcare sets its sights on the future
Mars Petcare unveiled two programs designed to support innovation and the next generation of disruptors in the pet care industry. Leap Venture Studio, created in partnership with the Michelson Found Animals Foundation and R/GA Ventures, is a start-up accelerator focused on the future of pet care. The second program, the Companion Fund, is a $100 million venture capital fund managed by Digitalis Ventures and dedicated to fueling the growth of pet care businesses. “We’re excited to support entrepreneurs and innovators in creating new products and services that deliver on our purpose: a better world for pets,” said 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 $5 million in the dog-walking app Mad Paws, an Australian startup that connects dog walkers and pet sitters with pet owners, TechCrunch reported. Qantas and Mad Paws previously partnered by letting Mad Paws members earn Qantas frequent flier points. Qantas said that investing in the app made sense because nearly two-thirds of its customers are pet owners.
56 veterinary students earn Merck scholarships
Fifty-six veterinary students from around the world received 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 students pursuing careers in companion animal or large animal medicine will each receive a $5,000 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,” said Scott Bormann, North American vice president at Merck Animal Health.
Canine parvovirus cases spreading
According to KNWA-TV, veterinarians are on high alert due to canine parvovirus spreading across northwest Arkansas. “It truly is spreading like wildfire,” said Taylor Rolland, DVM, of Wedington Animal Hospital in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Bimeda hires equine sales manager
Clark Weaver was appointed equine sales manager at the veterinary pharmaceutical company Bimeda Inc. Weaver previously worked for 10 years at MWI Veterinary Supply as director of equine.
Mexico reports bird flu cases
Mexico reported two outbreaks of the highly pathogenic H7N3 bird flu virus in the central part of the country. One was at a chicken farm, the World Organization for Animal Health stated.
Boehringer Ingelheim issues $105,000 in research grants
Boehringer Ingelheim awarded three $35,000 grants to support research into animal respiratory disease. 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.