The Connector | May 2025

The Connector, KC Animal Health Corridor logo, woman feeding a cow, a puppy and a kitten

Welcome to The Connector. Fetching the freshest animal health news.

Important Things You Need to Know

Something Big Is Coming: Le's see how big Animal Health can get. Animal Health Corridor Summit

Something BIG is about to drop at the Animal Health Summit 👀

Circle August 25-26 because this year, the Summit isn’t just back, it’s bringing something new to the table. The kind of announcement people will be talking about.

We’re keeping it quiet for now… but trust us, you’ll want a front-row seat when it hits.

Merck Animal Health logo

Merck Animal Health Announces Major Expansion in the KC Region

Merck Animal Health is growing its Center of Excellence in De Soto, Kansas with a $895 million investment in the site’s existing manufacturing facility. The project includes 200,000 square feet of new manufacturing and research space, 200 new facility jobs, and 2,500 construction jobs. >> Get the Details

Bimini Pet Health Breaks Ground

Bimini Pet Health Breaks Ground on Next Phase of Growth

Bimini Pet Health has officially begun construction on a new ingredient blending facility at its Topeka headquarters. This latest expansion boosts production capabilities, supports global growth, and brings new jobs to the local community. >> Learn More


The Key Ingredients for Winning Projects & Long-Term Success

For an industry to thrive and win big business, it takes collaboration across various conditions and stakeholders: state and local leadership, a pro-business environment, supportive communities, utility partners, a dynamic innovation ecosystem, and a highly skilled workforce. This month’s blog discusses the secret sauce for lasting growth in an industry.  >> Read Full Blog


Industry News

CATalyst Council Releases First 2025 Market Insights Report: Feline Veterinary Care Emerges as Industry Growth Driver

epiq Animal Health and Interpath Global Launch Second Joint Health Product Offering – This One for Dogs

Dechra Announces FDA Approval of OtisereneÂŽ (marbofloxacin, terbinafine, and dexamethasone otic suspension) the latest treatment for canine otitis externa

HILL’S PET NUTRITION ENHANCES HILL’S SCIENCE DIET PORTFOLIO WITH GAME-CHANGING MICROBIOME INNOVATION

Tractor Supply Launches New Tractor Supply Rx With Easy Ordering for Pet and Animal Pharmacy Needs

Darwin’s Ark Teams Up with Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Leading Research Institutions to Explore Cats’ Genetic Code

New perspectives: Why veterinary care is so much more than you may think

Search-and-rescue dog stays mission-ready with help from Mizzou

Zoetis Announces First Quarter 2025 Results

CERES TAG Launches Next-Generation CERES RANCHER(TM) Device, Delivering Smarter Animal Health Intelligence for U.S. Cattle Producers

PBI-Gordon Companies Acquires TriviumVet, Expanding Portfolio of Innovative Treatments in Pet Health

AVMA names Dr. Carlo Siracusa recipient of 2025 Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award


Save the Date

2026 Animal Health Summit

August 31 – September 1


The Connector | April 2025

The Connector, KC Animal Health Corridor logo, woman feeding a cow, a puppy and a kitten

Welcome to The Connector. Fetching the freshest animal health news.

Important Things You Need to Know

Something Big Is Coming: Le's see how big Animal Health can get. Animal Health Corridor Summit

Something BIG is coming to the Animal Health Summit…

The Animal Health Summit is back – and this year’s event is bringing something new to the table – something with the potential to change the conversation. Register today for the Summit happening August 25–26.

We’re not saying much yet. But you’ll want to be there when it lands.

KC Animal Health Corridor Spring Networking Event

🌟 Spring Networking Event – Sponsored by Country Club Bank

Join us May 1 from 4–6 PM at Stock Hill for the AHC’s Spring Networking Event—where good convos (and good drinks) flow.

Spots are limited—register now and we’ll see you there! >> Register Now

Iron Paw Award KC

Dr. Edward Robb Named 2025 Iron Paw Award Honoree

We’re proud to announce that Dr. Edward Robb, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Nutrition), has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Iron Paw Award.

A respected leader, innovator, and advocate for animal health, Dr. Robb’s impact spans decades—and continues to shape the future of our industry.

On A Mission KC Recognized for Transformative Community Impact

We are proud to recognize On A Mission KC as the 2025 recipient of the Spirit of Service Award.

With tireless dedication and deep local reach, On A Mission KC provides vital veterinary care and support to underserved communities—removing barriers to access and honoring the bond between people and their animals.


How Business Consolidation is Shaping Leadership and Innovation in Animal Health

Business consolidation in the Animal Health industry has reshaped the landscape, influencing not just the size and structure of companies but also the nature of leadership within the sector. The merging of smaller, specialized companies into larger multinational corporations has created a more complex dynamic where a diverse range of thought leaders now play key roles in shaping the industry’s direction.  >> Read Full Blog


Industry News

A Year of Growth and Impact: American Royal’s 2024 Annual Report

Felixvet Announces New Hires to Lead Sales

Chewy Announces Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

Hill’s Pet Nutrition announces veterinary leadership changes in US and EMEA

AVMA echoes Congress’ renewed call to recruit and retain veterinarians in high-need areas

ELIAS Animal Health Receives Full Approval from USDA for the ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy (ECIÂŽ), First-In-Class Treatment for Canine Osteosarcoma

Elanco Announces Changes to Board of Directors; Signs Research Agreement to Explore Novel Therapies for Chronic Kidney Disease and Life Extension in Pets

Freshpet advances research on pet-human health connection

Merck Animal Health Donates $50,000 to the National Professional Agricultural Student Organization to Support Its Educational Advancement Program

Boehringer Ingelheim Partners with Veeva to Launch ‘One Medicine Platform’

Study identifies possible new treatment for cats with urinary obstructions and elevated potassium levels

Students see success at Midwest American Society of Animal Science Meeting

K-State veterinarian warns of common pet poisons

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Launches “Because You’re Only Human”

Felixvet Launches Carprofen Soft Chewable Tablets

Philip J. Bergman, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Oncology) Joins ELIAS Animal Health Scientific Advisory Board


Save the Date

2026 Animal Health Summit

August 31 – September 1


The Connector | March 2025

The Connector, KC Animal Health Corridor logo, woman feeding a cow, a puppy and a kitten

Welcome to The Connector. Fetching the freshest animal health news.

Important Things You Need to Know

Showcasing the future: emergin Companies Apply Now. Animal Health Corridor Summit

Emerging Companies: This is your last chance to step up and stand out at the 2025 Animal Health Summit.

At The Summit, groundbreaking ideas meet the investors and industry leaders who can bring them to life. From cutting-edge pet care and AgTech to food production and diagnostics, this is where innovation turns into impact.

Time is running out – don’t miss your shot. Apply by April 1 and take your place at the forefront of animal health innovation. >> Apply Now

Animal Health Summit Sponsorships are now open!

Be front and center as the brightest minds in animal health come together to shape the future. As a sponsor, you’ll connect with top innovators, investors, and decision-makers driving change in pet care, AgTech, food production, and diagnostics.

Our 2025 programming is packed with opportunities to engage, inspire, and make lasting connections. Take a peek at what’s in store and see why this is the place to be.

KC Animal Health Corridor Spring Networking Event

Register Now! 🌟 AHC Spring Networking Event

Secure your spot for an evening of connections and conversations! Join us on May 1 at Country Club Bank from 4 PM – 6 PM for our Spring Networking Event.

Meet industry peers, spark new opportunities, and enjoy great company. Don’t miss out – register today! >> Register Now


Embracing Change: Finding Hope and Support as Spring Approaches

As spring approaches, the changing of seasons offers an opportunity to pause and reflect. Even if the year is off to a rocky start, you can take control of your situation and find solace in the support of those in your network. Read this month’s blog to find ways to strengthen your resolve for the upcoming season.  >> Read Full Blog


Industry News

CERES TAG Announces New Distribution Partnership with Jeffers Inc.

Indeed names veterinarians as top job for 2025

Elanco Enters Agreement with Medgene to Commercialize Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Vaccine in Dairy Cattle

K-State’s Animal and Veterinary Innovation Center will focus on livestock pain management

WOAH launches website to drive global dialogue on animal health

Elanco Animal Health Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

Do embedded counseling services in veterinary education work? A new study says “yes.”

Boehringer Ingelheim launches new trivalent poultry vaccine, includes protection against H5 avian influenza

Dechra Launches DuOticÂŽ: The First Antibiotic-Free Otitis Externa Treatment for Dogs

Merck Animal Health Awards $50,000 in Scholarships to Future Swine Practitioners

K-State researchers developing index to measure cattle pain, stress using consumption rate

New therapy for dogs with cancer shows promise

Accelerating the Future of Pet Care: Pet Nutrition Startups Target Transformative Trends

A new protocol guide can help veterinarians standardize their approach to canine osteoarthritis

Veterinary Health Center introduces state-of-the-art MRI to Missouri

Hill’s, APOP join forces to fight pet obesity

Veeva HCP Access Improves Segmentation and Targeting with Brick-Level HCP Access Data for 20 Countries


Save the Date

2026 Animal Health Summit

August 31 – September 1


The Connector | February 2025

The Connector, KC Animal Health Corridor logo, woman feeding a cow, a puppy and a kitten

Welcome to The Connector. Fetching the freshest animal health news.

Important Things You Need to Know

Ceres Tag Chooses Kansas City for North American HQ, Bringing Cutting-Edge Animal Health Tech to the U.S.

Australian animal health tech leader Ceres Tag is setting up its North American headquarters in Overland Park, Kansas. Known for its direct-to-satellite animal monitoring technology, Ceres Tag is revolutionizing the industry with solar-powered smart sensors that track livestock and wildlife in real-time. The move strengthens the KC Animal Health Corridor and solidifies the region’s status as the global hub for animal health innovation. >> Learn More

Four women smile with an award

Animal Health Summit Spirit of Service Video Wins Big!

Our 2024 Spirit of Service video featuring Inclusion Connections – PawsAbilities took home Best of Show (Nonprofit) at the VETTY AwardsÂŽ! 

Huge thanks to JNA Advertising for helping us spotlight this incredible organization and the lives they’re transforming. This win isn’t just ours—it’s for the paws! >> All Vetty Winners

Spirit of Services and Iron Paw Award logs

Honor the Best in Animal Health—Nominations Now Open!

The 2025 Spirit of Service and Iron Paw awards from the KC Animal Health Corridor recognize the game-changers shaping our industry. Spirit of Service honors those elevating the human-animal bond, while Iron Paw celebrates powerhouse contributors across academia, research, industry, and government.

Know someone making an impact? Nominate your champions today.

Showcasing the future: emergin Companies Apply Now. Animal Health Corridor Summit

Emerging Companies: Step Up. Stand Out. Apply Now for the 2025 Animal Health Summit.

The future of animal health is being rewritten—are you leading the charge?

At The Summit, groundbreaking ideas meet the investors and industry leaders who can bring them to life. From cutting-edge pet care and AgTech to food production and diagnostics, this is where innovation turns into impact.

Don’t just imagine the future—create it. Seize your moment. Own the stage. >> Apply Today


Share the Love: Supporting Innovation in Animal Health

The road to innovation in our industry isn’t easy. But you can help those trying to bring new solutions to our field in more ways than one. Learn how you can guide and enrich the efforts of entrepreneurs in our industry in this month’s Corridor Conversations. >> Read Full Blog


Industry News

AAFCO Votes Yes on New Regulatory Pathway for Animal Food Ingredients

Akston Named Best Start-Up at the 2024 S&P Global Animal Health Awards

BRAVECTOÂŽ (fluralaner) Named Official and Exclusive Flea and Tick Sponsor of the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Feather in Her Cap Association Announced 2025 Winners For Outstanding Achievements in Animal Health Industry

S&A wins second straight VETTY Grand Prize Award—amassing 15 total honors

Now Available: Credelio Quattro™ (lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel chewable tablets) Provides Broadest[i] Parasite Protection of Its Kind

Survey: Addressing Unmet Need Within the Animal and Veterinary Industries

Revelation Pharma Launches Revelation Animal Health: A Nationwide Leader in Animal Health Compounding

Comment on veterinary technician educational standards

Lallemand Animal Nutrition Awards $14,000 in Scholarships

Virbac: Strong annual revenue growth of +13.6% supported by dynamic organic growth (+7.5%) and the strategic contribution of our acquisitions (+6.1%)

Parnell Launches PropofolVet Multidose, First Generic Propofol Injectable Emulsion for Dogs

Vetigenics secures $6 million seed financing, sees meaningful clinical progress

Merck Animal Health, VBMA partner for inaugural business simulation challenge

Purina Awards $125,000 to Five U.S.-Based Pet Startups through 2025 Pet Care Innovation Prize

Veeva and Zifo Partner to Accelerate Quality Control Modernization

K-State Olathe provides advanced manufacturing short courses to meet industry demand for trainings

Husch Blackwell Holds No. 1 Spot on ABA Health Law Section’s Top 10 List

Inaugural director named for Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands & Aquatic Systems

Fear FreeÂŽ Expands Reach with the Launch of Emergency & Urgent Care Veterinary Practice Certification

Merck Animal Health Wins 2024 S&P Global Award for Best New Companion Animal Product for injectable formulation of BRAVECTOÂŽ (fluralaner)

Algae: A Rising Star in Pet Nutrition


Save the Date

2026 Animal Health Summit

August 31 – September 1


The Connector | January 2025

The Connector, KC Animal Health Corridor logo, woman feeding a cow, a puppy and a kitten

Welcome to The Connector. Fetching the freshest animal health news.

Important Things You Need to Know

The Gathering 2025

Don’t miss The Gathering at VMX, the event everyone will be buzzing about!

Drinks, bites, and unbeatable networking with the brightest in animal health. Trust us, you’ll want to be part of the action, not the one hearing about it later.

Registration closes January 23rd, and spots are limited. Join us on Sunday, January 26, from 3–4:30 p.m. to connect, celebrate, and create lasting relationships.

Act fast—reserve your spot before January 23rd! >> Register Today

Iron Paw Award KC

Now accepting nominations for the 2025 Iron Paw award.

Want to join the ranks of past Iron Paw Award winners—the industry’s most celebrated rockstars? Nominations for the 2025 Iron Paw Award are NOW OPEN!

If you know someone making waves in animal health, now’s the time to give them the recognition they deserve. Submit your rockstars today!
>> Submit Your Champion

Animalytix Market Update 2025 header

Register for the 14th annual Animalytix Market Update.

Mark your calendars! On February 13, from 10:00–11:30 a.m. CST via Zoom, the Animalytix Market Update returns with key insights on animal health market trends, focusing on how the veterinary sector is performing across major metro areas and practice types.

Here’s the best part: 100% of registration proceeds benefit the Spirit of Service Award recipients—non-profits dedicated to strengthening the human-animal bond. This year’s proceeds will support an outstanding organization like our 2024 recipient, Inclusion Connections/PawsAbilities.
>> Register Now

Showcasing the future: emergin Companies Apply Now. Animal Health Corridor Summit

Applications are now open for Emerging Companies at the 2025 Animal Health Summit!

Are you transforming the future of animal health? Whether you’re innovating in pet care, AgTech, food animal production, or diagnostics, this is your chance to take the spotlight. The Summit is where bold ideas meet eager investors and forward-thinking partners—all looking for the next big breakthrough. 

Ready to turn your vision into reality? Don’t miss your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and inspire on a global stage. >> Apply Today


A Look at 2024 and Our Predictions for 2025

As we reflect on the year that has come to an end, now is also the time to forecast what 2025 may have in store for those involved in the Animal Health Industry. Hear our predictions regarding feline health, technology’s role in streamlining our businesses’ objectives, and the perception of our unique industry and its roles.  >> Read Full Blog


Industry News

Dechra Expands Commitment to Veterinary Student Education through AVMF Scholarships

Argenta Announces Strategic Realignment of its CRO Platform

Purina Announces $4.5MM Donation to Three Leading Veterinary Schools to Advance Pet Health

American Veterinary Medical Association partners with YM Careers to enhance job board services

FDA Finalizes Guidance for AI Predetermined Change Control Plans

A Growing Number of Biopharmas Leverage Veeva Compass Patient to Improve Commercialization

Animal Sciences graduate student joining National Pork Board’s Real Pork Scholars 2024 cohort

The latest from Patterson, AVMA, Covetrus, Medicus Pharma, Ontario SPCA, Purina, Virginia Veterinary Centers and Veterinary Emergency Group.

Board chair addresses Colorado ballot initiative, highlights emerging technology task force

Zomedica enters license and supply agreement with Cresilon Inc.

USDA, USTR Announce Appointments to Seven Agricultural Trade Advisory Committees

PetPace Health 2.0 Smart Collar Named “IoT Wearable Device of the Year” in 9th Annual IoT Breakthrough Awards Program

Animal Health Business Research Report 2024: Global Market to Surpass $100 Billion by 2030, Driven by Increasing Consumer Demand for Organic and Humanely Raised Animal Products – ResearchAndMarkets.com

HABRI and Lap of Love Partner to Promote the Power of the Human-Animal Bond During End-of-Life Care for Pets


Save the Date

2026 Animal Health Summit

August 31 – September 1