To celebrate Arbor Day, Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada) today announced its continued partnership with WeForest, as part of its commitment to a healthier planet. WeForest is an international nonprofit association engaged in large-scale sustainable reforestation and reduction in plastic pollution. Through the partnership, Merck Animal Health has already supported the planting of over 25,000 trees on three continents since the start in 2016.

“We are proud to participate in WeForest’s mission to restore the planet’s natural resources by planting trees,” said Geert Vertenten, Global Poultry Marketing Director. “Through this partnership and the use of novel technologies such as our environmentally friendly, SPHEREON® technology, Merck Animal Health is committed to environmental responsibility, in particular, working towards the offset of carbon emissions. With the help of poultry veterinarians and producers who use our products, we will continue to partner with WeForest in the years to come, planting even more trees.”

SPHEREON® is a novel vaccine formulation technology for the storage and preparation of live poultry vaccines. SPHEREON® technology freeze-dries live vaccines to small, highly soluble particles (spheres) that dissolve quickly and completely in water, with no residue. SPHEREON® allows for improved preparation and administration of the vaccine, and is packaged in light-weight, 100 percent recyclable aluminum cups. This makes it more efficient to use for poultry farmers and supports the environment with limited, recyclable packaging.

On Arbor Day individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees. In several countries around the world, including the US, it is planned on the last Friday of April. Though Arbor Day is usually observed in the spring, the date varies, depending on climate and suitable planting season.

More information on the partnership between MSD Animal Health and WeForest