MSD Animal Health has won an award for its Exzolt red mite treatment as the breakthrough of the year at the British Free-Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) conference in the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. The conference was held on 11 October and is the largest of its kind in the UK, with around 600 egg producers and other key industry stakeholders in attendance.
‘’It’s been a pleasure working with egg producers throughout the UK improving the welfare for millions of hens,” said Wesley Thorne, poultry key account manager at MSD Animal Health. “It is a testament to our mission, the science of healthier animals,” he added.
Exzolt is added to the hens’ drinking water to kill red mites – without the need for conventional chemical sprays which can be dangerous for the farm workers and distressing for the birds.
James Baxter, BFREPA Chairman said: “Although this product was launched in August 2017, the judges waited a year to ensure Exzolt delivered what it promised before considering it for a BFREPA Award. After receiving first hand reports of performance on the farm, they were delighted to award MSD Animal Health this year with the Breakthrough of the Year Award 2018. Free range egg businesses need innovations and solutions to problems they encounter at farm level so BFREPA is pleased to recognise companies who meet the needs of its members.”
MSD Animal Health also received the award for the best stand at the conference.