Merck nabs EU approval for new porcine vaccine; Abaxis acquires U.K. distributor QCR & Trio Diagnostics;

> Merck ($MRK) Animal Health won European approval for Porcilis PCV M Hyo, a single-injection combination vaccine designed to protect piglets from Porcine Circovirus and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, an infection that's prevalent in swine herds around the world and that can affect weight gain and overall health. Release

> Medical and veterinary research equipment maker Abaxis ($ABAX) has acquired U.K.-based distributor QCR & Trio Diagnostics Limited. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Release

> New Zealand-based veterinary pharmaceutical maker Norbrook appointed Liam Nagle as CEO. Nagle was formerly CEO of the SISK Group. Release

> With the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the International Federation for Animal Health has commissioned a white paper on vector-borne diseases such as trypanosomiasis, which causes an estimated $1.2 billion in cattle losses per year. Article