The Connector Archives - Page 2 of 2

The Connector | August 2025

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

Important Things You Need to Know

Kimberly Young Featured In Women’s Business Daily

KC Animal Health Corridor President Kimberly Young was recently profiled by Women’s Business Daily in a powerful interview about leadership, resilience, and building one of the world’s most influential industry clusters. From high-stakes negotiations to work-life integration, Kimberly shares what it means to lead with purpose and on your own terms. >> Full Feature

Remembering Ron Brakke

The Animal Health Corridor extends its deepest condolences to the Brakke family and to the dedicated team he built at Brakke Consulting.

Ron Brakke was not only a pioneer in animal health consulting, but also a passionate advocate for the industry for more than six decades. His unwavering support and visionary leadership were instrumental in shaping the early years of the Animal Health Corridor, and his contributions were honored with the 2014 Iron Paw Award.

Ron’s legacy will continue to inspire and influence the animal health community for years to come. We are grateful for his many contributions and mourn the loss of a true industry icon. >> Read More About Ron Brakke

Fall Networking at Vytelle

Join us October 21 from 4-6 p.m. at Vytelle for an evening of networking with animal health professionals and Corridor colleagues. Mark your calendar now and watch for registration details soon. >> Register Now

Letting Go to Further Grow in Life & Business

As I drop my son off for his freshman year of college, I realize the parallels between business and life’s challenging moments. It’s important we trust the process, because discomfort is where we all grow. >> Read Full Blog

Industry News

Top Pet Innovators Unleashed in 2025 Pet Innovation Awards

Elanco Animal Health Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results

Zoetis Announces Second Quarter 2025 Results, Raises Full Year 2025 Outlook

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA Announces Second-Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Akston Expands Leadership Team with Appointment of Two Veterinarians to Advance First-in-Class Biologics for Pets

Department of Agriculture Announces Reorganization Plan

New scientific review program manager named to oversee ingredient submissions pathway

BiomEdit Advances First-of-Its-Kind Engineered Bacteria Product to Final Development Phase, Secures Series B Funding and Adds Key Industry Leadership

Advancing Drug Development with Non-Liquid Matrix Bioanalysis

Merck Animal Health Announces FDA Approval of EXZOLT™ (fluralaner oral solution) for Chickens, the First Systemic Treatment for Northern Fowl Mites

Connect Veterinary Consulting Announces New Service Offering

From the livestock barn to the pageant stage, the Missouri State Fair offers young agriculturalists unique leadership roles

AVMA and ACVIM honor Joan Coates

White Label vs. Private Label: What’s the Difference—and Where’s the Opportunity?

‘Mini farm bill’ funds national animal disease research and management

Startups across the pet industry can apply for a chance to win up to $50,000 in non-dilutive funding

COST, GUILT AND DOUBT: HILL’S PET NUTRITION’S 2025 STATE OF SHELTER PET ADOPTION REPORT REVEALS WHY PETS STILL WAIT IN SHELTERS

Shelter Pets Get Their Big Break as Actor Josh Hutcherson Joins Hill’s Pet Nutrition During Annual NBCUniversal Local’s Clear The Shelters

Save the Date

2026 Animal Health Summit

August 31 – September 1

View Animal Health Corridor Events

The Connector | July 2025

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

Important Things You Need to Know

Big Things Await at the 2025 Animal Health Summit

Early Bird Registration Ends July 18
Lock in your spot before prices go up. You’ll get access to two days of industry networking, emerging company showcases, and business partnering meetings—all in one place.

1:1 Business Partnering Opens July 21
Mark your calendars: 1:1 partnering opens July 21, giving you the chance to schedule high-impact meetings with partners, investors, and collaborators at the Summit.

New Technologies You’ll Want to See
From AI copilots and feline cancer treatments to smart harnesses and advanced diagnostics, this year’s emerging companies are redefining animal health. Don’t miss what’s next.

>> Register Today

>> Summit Agenda

What’s Shaping Animal Health Now and What’s Next

Register today and join us August 5 at 10:00 am CDT for the Animalytix Mid-Year Market Update, a virtual event delivering the latest data, insights, and trends in animal health to help you navigate the rest of 2025.

Your registration does more than unlock insights – proceeds will support On A Mission KC, our 2025 Spirit of Service honoree, helping deliver critical resources and supplies to rural animal shelters across Kansas and Missouri.

>> Register Now

Fall Networking at Vytelle

Creating a Cat-Forward Animal Health Industry

As more families welcome cats into their homes, it’s pertinent that the animal health industry adapts from a canine-first model to one that embraces feline health and wellness as a priority. Hear how we can do just that in this month’s blog. >> Read Full Blog

Industry News

Hill’s Pet Nutrition names Hsu president

CERES TAG and Noble Research Institute Announce Exclusive Research Agreement

Bimini Pet Health Earns Prestigious NASC Preferred Supplier Designation

Vytelle’s New 2024 Global Pregnancy Summary Highlights Consistently High Success Rates Across Seven Countries

New Study Launches to Investigate Burnout Among Relief Veterinarians

10 powerful impacts from ReCHAI’s first 20 years

Elanco Announces Milestones Expanding Access to Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA) to Veterinarians and Shelters Across the Country

Spotlighting Innovation in Agriculture

Burns & McDonnell Donates Over $1 Million to Inspire Future STEM Leaders Through Expanded Science Center Partnerships

Hill’s Pet Nutrition launches new urinary, hairball control formulas

The Countdown Begins: With One Year To Go Until the FIFA World Cup 26™, KC2026 Unveils Official Countdown Clocks, Announces Official Host City Supporters of the Kansas City World Cup 2026

High School Students Learn To Lead the Animal Science Industry

Zoetis to Host Webcast and Conference Call on Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Elanco Releases 2024 Impact Report and Introduces New Framework

Landmark study sheds light on veterinary patient safety events

A Fly Of A Different Color

2025 Animal Health Conference to Feature Dynamic Speaker Lineup Across Pharmaceuticals, Biologics and Nutrition

Save the Date

2026 Animal Health Summit

August 31 – September 1

View Animal Health Corridor Events

The Connector | June 2025

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

Important Things You Need to Know

Headshots of Fiona Rey of Elanco, Dr. Fatou Sow of Boehringer Ingelheim and Dr. Jill Stohs of Dechra

Welcome New Board Members: Fiona Rey, Dr. Fatou Sow and Dr. Jill Stohs

We’re excited to welcome Fiona Rey of Elanco, Dr. Fatou Sow of Boehringer Ingelheim and Dr. Jill Stohs of Dechra to the Animal Health Corridor Board of Directors. These industry leaders bring incredible energy, insight, and passion to the table. We’re excited to have them on board as we continue moving the industry forward together. >> Meet Our New Board Members

Coming Soon: Your Mid-Year Animal Health Market Snapshot

What’s shaping the animal health market right now? What’s ahead for the rest of the year?

Join us August 5th at 10:00 am CDT for the Animalytix Mid-Year Market Update, a virtual event with the latest data, insights, and market trends you can use. All proceeds from registrations benefit the Spirit of Service program. >> Register Now

Don’t Miss What’s Coming. Early Bird Registration Ends Soon.

You’ve seen the tease. Now’s your chance to be part of it.

Something big is coming to the Corridor, and it all comes together at the Animal Health Summit on August 25-26 in Kansas City.

Early-bird registration ends July 18. Lock in your spot today.

>> Count M e In

>> 2025 Agenda

Register Now: FDA’s Animal Drug User Fee Educational Conference

The FDA is hosting the Second Annual Animal Drug User Fee Educational Conference on July 15. This public meeting will cover updates and insights on the animal drug approval process as part of the ongoing ADUFA reauthorization efforts. >> Get the Details

Supporting Career Growth Without Holding People Back

As a leader, watching someone on your team grow into their next opportunity can feel like a double-edged sword: pride in their progress paired with the sting of loss. You want to be the kind of leader who champions careers. However, when that growth means leaving the team, it can get complicated. This month’s blog dives into ways to help both sides find success today and down the road. >> Read Full Blog

Industry News

Merck Animal Health Manufacturing Investment | De Soto, Kansas

Dr. Mark Stetter Elected to Zoetis Board of Directors

FDA Approves Merck Animal Health’s MOMETAMAX SINGLE™ to Treat Otitis Externa in Dogs

Zoetis Launches AI Masses, the New AI-Powered Cytologic Capability for Vetscan Imagyst®

HILL’S PET NUTRITION AND HARVARD T.H. CHAN SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCHER DEEPEN COLLABORATION TO ADVANCE PET MICROBIOME SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

Animal Health Regulatory Affairs: Pharma | Bio | Nutrition

Merck Animal Health Announces the Availability of ARMATREX™ Spray-On Antimicrobial Solution in Partnership with Good Salt™ Life, LLC

Purina Provides Over 30,000 Pounds of Food and Dedicates More Than 5,000 Volunteer Hours to Helping People and Pets in Need During 24th Purina Cares Day

Zoetis Releases 2024 Sustainability Progress Update

Flying High with Fido: BARK Air, a New Era of Pet-Friendly Travel

K-State Olathe celebrates graduates, new academic programs

Moser to serve as interim dean of College of Agriculture

Mizzou scientists create a novel genetically engineered pig model for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease

Save the Date

2026 Animal Health Summit

August 31 – September 1

View Animal Health Corridor Events

The Connector | May 2025

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

Important Things You Need to Know

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.

>> Register

>> 2025 Agenda

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 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 Otiserene® (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

View Animal Health Corridor Events

The Connector | April 2025

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

Important Things You Need to Know

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.

>> Register

>> 2025 Agenda

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

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 (ECI®), 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

View Animal Health Corridor Events

The Connector | March 2025

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.

>> Available Sponsorships

>> 2025 Agenda

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 DuOtic®: 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

View Animal Health Corridor Events

The Connector | February 2025

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

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 Awards®!

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.

>> Spirit of Service

>> Iron Paw

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?

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

BRAVECTO® (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 Free® 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 BRAVECTO® (fluralaner)

Algae: A Rising Star in Pet Nutrition

Save the Date

2026 Animal Health Summit

August 31 – September 1

View Animal Health Corridor Events

The Connector | January 2025

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

Important Things You Need to Know

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

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

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

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