> Merck ($MRK) reported that sales in its animal health division rose 8% in the fourth quarter of 2014 to $885 million, minus the negative effects of foreign exchange rates, and that they jumped 5% to $3.5 billion for the full year. Release
> Sanofi ($SNY) said fourth-quarter sales in its Merial animal health unit rose 11.5% to €507 million ($572 million), while sales for the full year 2014 were up 6.7% to €2.1 billion ($2.4 billion). Release (PDF)
> President Obama's $4 trillion budget plan included a proposal to create a new government agency that would consolidate the USDA's and the FDA's food-safety functions into one unit within the Department of Health and Human Services. Article
> Jaguar Animal Health signed a distribution deal with Vedco, while also launching a marketing campaign for its lead gastrointestinal product, Neonorm Calf. Release
> Bio-Gate of Germany announced that it has signed a licensing agreement with VetBiotek, which secured the rights to market all veterinary products containing Bio-Gate's MicroSilver technology, as well as North American rights to market Ear Care products for pets. Release
> Nevada has become the latest state to confirm a case of avian flu, which was found in a female mallard. Article
> Indiana-based J.J. Fuds has expanded its recall of its Chicken Tender Chunks, Beef Tender Chunks and Duckling Tender Chunks Pet Food because of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes and/or Salmonella. Release