This year, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health commemorates 20 years of combating Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).

The company is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of highly productive collaborations with swine farmers, veterinarians and researchers around the world to manage this major swine disease.

Twenty years ago Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health introduced Ingelvac® PRRS MLV, the first Modified Live Vaccine (MLV) for the management of PRRS. The disease causes reproductive failure in breeding stock and respiratory tract illness in growing pigs.

"The journey over the last 20 years has given us the opportunity to work on consolidating our knowledge about PRRS as well as maximising the use of our vaccine as one of the key tools for controlling the disease," said George Heidgerken, senior vice president of animal health at Boehringer Ingelheim.

Supported by the results of international research regarding virus persistence and disease transmission, the company also strives to find solutions beyond the laboratory through the creation of a systematic process for PRRS control.

Today, Ingelvac PRRS MLV is the global market leader in the segment of PRRS vaccines. The vaccine has a strong worldwide presence, from North America to Europe and Asia.