Merial vaccines have been used by governments and wildlife conservation agencies around the world to help save endangered species.

Iberian Lynx

The Iberian Lynx, native to southern Spain, is considered the most endangered large cat species in the world. Only about 250 individuals remain in the wild, and they are at grave risk from feline leukemia virus (FeLV), which they catch from house cats. Merial vaccines were administered to the last of these wild Iberian Lynxes, and have aided in the preservation of this magnificent species.

Catalina Island Fox

The Catalina Island Fox is a sub-species of small foxes native to the Channel Islands off California. Populations were decimated in 1999 by an outbreak of canine distemper, and the subspecies became critically endangered. Wildlife management organizations vaccinated the surviving foxes with a patented Merial canary-pox vector vaccine. The vaccination campaign helped populations of this endangered subspecies to recover.

Clouded Leopard

Clouded Leopards, so called because of the cloud-like markings on their beautiful fur, are a seriously endangered species ranging from the Himalayas, southern China, and Taiwan to peninsula Malaysia. In addition to being hunted for their fur and the increasing destruction of their natural habitats, these animals are also endangered by their susceptibility to feline leukemia. Five Clouded Leopard cubs born to two American zoos were vaccinated with Merial-developed canary-pox vectored vaccines. The zoos hope that their program for socializing the healthy animals at a young age will assist with their reproduction and increase the population of this endangered species.

African hunting dogs

Merial donated rabies and distemper vaccines to a Tanzanian breeding, veterinary and reintroduction program for African hunting dogs (an endangered species). The program aims to breed, vaccinate and put the dogs back into the wild.

Cheetahs

Merial donated flea and tick preparations to the De Wildt Cheetah Center in South Africa. In a study at the center, the project resulted in a significant decrease in tick infestation. Ticks are important vectors for many diseases -- primarily the African blue tick and the brown ear tick.