Animal health experts in the United Kingdom were alarmed when four dogs in England were recently diagnosed with canine babesiosis, a tick-borne disease that seems to be spreading from mainland Europe. One of the dogs died of the disease, which causes fever, weight loss, anemia and other symptoms. Now 1,500 veterinary practices have volunteered to collect ticks and send them to Bristol University, which has launched Britain's biggest-ever study of tick-borne illnesses, according to the Bristol Post. Results from the study, called the Big Tick Project, will be released later this year. Article
> Merck ($MRK) Animal Health announced that its recently acquired Harrisvaccines received a first-of-its-kind approval from the USDA for an RNA particle vaccine platform. Release
> Kindred Biosciences ($KIN) announced it has submitted the final major technical section to FDA for Zimeta, its experimental drug to treat pyrexia (fever) in horses. Release
> Patterson Companies ($PDCO) increased its quarterly cash dividend by 9 cents per share, to 24 cents. Release
> The University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies announced the launch of Roslin Technologies, a new company that will commercialize research designed to advance animal health. Release
> Advanced Medical Isotope ($ADMD) announced the launch of IsoPet solutions, which will develop brachytherapy devices for veterinary oncology clinics. Release
> Vet Innovations, which develops technology for the animal health industry, announced it has completed a $2 million series A funding and opened a new testing and validation facility in West Greenwich, RI. Release | Release
> IDT Biologika and Gallant Custom Laboratories announced an expansion of their North American animal health operations in Cambridge, Ontario. Release
> Britain's Animal & Plant Health Agency released data showing a 12% increase in the diagnosis of E. coli in pigs between October and December of 2015, as compared to an 8% increase in the same period a year before. Article