Zoetis is seeking proposals for well-defined studies that focus on optimizing the immune response of sows and gilts for the control of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv). The studies should provide insights into new methods that can help control PEDv in breeding and farrowing herds.

Zoetis will award a total of $125,000 to a study or studies under its PEDv immune response research grant program. University researchers or practicing veterinarians are invited to submit research proposals for consideration.

“There is a critical need to better understand immune response to help control PEDv,” said Steve Sornsen, DVM, senior director, Veterinary Business Solutions, Zoetis. “At Zoetis, we are absolutely committed to solutions for our customers to help fight PEDv, and that includes ongoing research to help identify new insight and tools.”

Research proposals must be received by Dec. 5, 2014. The research must be conducted in the United States. To receive a copy of the abstract template or to submit questions, email PEDvResearch@zoetis.com. A committee will review the proposals, and an announcement of the successful applications will be made in January.

Since PEDv was confirmed in the United States last year, the disease has devastated the pork industry, with cases confirmed in 31 states thus far.