Merck strengthens poultry health future with $50,000 scholarship boost for veterinary students

Merck Animal Health extends its 11-year partnership with the American Association of Avian Pathologists Foundation, awarding $50,000 in scholarships to five aspiring poultry veterinarians, highlighting the industry’s focus on sustainable and safe food production.

Merck Animal Health has awarded $50,000 in scholarships to five veterinary students specialising in poultry health, extending an 11-year partnership with the American Association of Avian Pathologists Foundation. The company said the collaboration has now delivered more than $280,000 in student support.

The latest awards were announced at the AAAP Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. Each recipient received $10,000: Miranda Carrisosa Gibbes, Mackenzie Ripper, Christian Rushing, Kelci Teel and Kristy Ling Trung.

The AAAP Foundation says its scholarship programme is designed for students pursuing careers in poultry health and food safety, with awards based on academic record, recommendations, poultry-related experience and career plans. It also offers a wider portfolio of more than 30 scholarships and awards each year, many tied to the association’s annual meeting.

Merck framed the initiative as a long-term investment in the profession. Dr Ivan Alvarado Ortiz, the company’s associate director of strategic development and innovation for its US poultry business, said the students represent “the future of poultry production and well-being”. Dr Suzanne McComb, AAAP executive vice-president, said the next generation will be central to safe and sustainable poultry and egg production.

The recipients’ academic and practical backgrounds reflect the industry’s need for veterinarians with experience in flock health, pathology and production systems, as well as research and field work.