MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE: MRK), was distinguished with the “Innovation Award”, awarded by the Portuguese Federation of Pig Farmers’ Associations (FPAS), for its intradermal vaccination system, IDAL, for pigs, as part of the XXVII National Pig Fair, held in Montijo in early October.
The event brought together 187 exhibitors and various stakeholders in the swine industry. The Livestock team at MSD Animal Health Portugal received the award and presented producers and veterinarians with the latest innovations associated with the IDAL system, highlighting its contribution to improving health and of animal welfare, environmental sustainability and production efficiency.
“This recognition is particularly relevant to our team because it values a solution developed to address concrete challenges in the swine sector,” said Pedro David, Marketing Manager of the Livestock team at MSD Animal Health Portugal. “At MSD Animal Health, we work side by side with professionals in the swine sector to develop innovative solutions, both in the technology sector and in the biopharmaceutical sector, so that they contribute to more efficient production and sustainable, focused on animal health and welfare,” they added.
The National Pig Fair Innovation Award, awarded in this edition to MSD Animal Health, recognizes products, processes, and technical or technological developments that add value to Portuguese pig farming. Among criteria for evaluation are the response tothe needs of the sector swine, the degree of technical innovation, the economic and technical benefits for farms, improvements in animal health, and social and environmental sustainability.
The national pork sector plays a significant role in the Portuguese agri-food economy, with a turnover of more than 4 billion euros and around 18 direct jobs, according to data shared by FPAS. In 2025, pork exports reached 174 million euros, representing 21,5% of the sector’s turnover. Currently, Portugal has 28 export markets open for this meat, according to data from FPAS.
Through participation in this type of event and of recognitions like this, MSD Animal Health reaffirms its commitment to scientific innovation and the creation of value for producers and veterinarians, contributing to the development of the pig farming sector and to enhancing the value of its impact on the Portuguese economy.
About MSD Animal Health
MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is a global animal health company committed to the science of healthier animals. For more than 130 years, we have been pioneering cutting-edge science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop innovative medicines, vaccines, and technology solutions. Drawing on firsthand experience on farms and in clinics, we work side by side with our customers every step of the way. Our exclusive focus is empowering those who care for animals, helping them confidently manage their vital responsibility. Because when it comes to animal health, no one understands it like we do. For more information, visit www.msd-animal-health.pt and connect with us on LinkedIn.
14 October 2026 | MSD Press Release | http://www.msd-animal-health.pt
