VIDO Director honoured for lifetime commitment to animal health

Jul 2, 2003

In recognition for a 30-year commitment to animal health, Dr. Lorne Babiuk, Director of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) in Saskatoon, has been chosen by the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI) to receive its Industry Leadership Award.

The CAHI award is presented annually to an individual or association demonstrating a strong commitment to and leadership in the field of animal health. CAHI is the trade association representing companies that develop and manufacture animal health products in Canada.

Under Babiuk's leadership, VIDO has evolved into a world leader in food animal infectious disease research and the development of livestock vaccines. Babiuk personally holds 18 patents and has 14 patents pending for the products of his animal health research. He is also the author 390 peer-reviewed manuscripts and 75 book chapters or review articles.

"Receiving this award is particularly gratifying because VIDO has been built on the strength of collaboration within the animal health community," says Babiuk.

Babiuk is an international authority in veterinary virology and immunology. Products of Babiuk's research include leading-edge technology for livestock disease solutions, such as vaccines and vaccination strategies, to benefit producers, the food industry and society as a whole.

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization is a world leader in vaccine research for the control of infectious diseases and is a wholly owned University of Saskatchewan not-for-profit institute. It operates with substantial support from the Government of Alberta and the Government of Saskatchewan as well as Government of Canada competitive grants.