Niklas Birkner, general director of Boehringer Ingelheim Vietnam's Animal Health division, shared insights into his one-year tenure in the Vietnamese market and key milestones achieved during this period.

After one year in Vietnam, Boehringer Ingelheim has significantly strengthened its role as a trusted partner in animal care and health improvement, while actively contributing to the One Health ecosystem. By combining global scientific innovations with a deep understanding of the local market, the company has introduced advanced preventive solutions to protect the health of swine, poultry, and pets, thereby contributing to public health. This exemplifies the company's ongoing mission to "improve life for generations."

Furthermore, Birkner expressed honor in leading and collaborating with the Vietnamese team this year. The team consistently embraces innovation and perseveres in achieving its objectives, a mindset that enables the company to transform challenges into opportunities and continuously create positive impacts in Vietnam's dynamic market.

Niklas Birkner, general director of Boehringer Ingelheim Vietnam's Animal Health division. Photo: Boehringer Ingelheim Vietnam.

Swine, pets, and poultry are the three core segments driving the growth of Boehringer Ingelheim's animal health division. In the swine segment, advanced biosecurity measures, effective disease prevention solutions, and comprehensive support services remain primary growth drivers. This year, the company intensified efforts to raise awareness about integrated solutions that help farmers improve herd health and operational efficiency.

A key highlight in swine health is the "respiratory defense alliance," which allows for the combined injection of key vaccines in a single shot, effectively controlling common respiratory diseases. This, coupled with the Enterisol gut health solution, helps farmers reduce antibiotic use and maintain stable productivity, moving towards a safe and sustainable production model.

For the pet segment, the company focuses on developing its antiparasitic and vaccine portfolio. It is also preparing to launch a new generation vaccine in 2026, aiming to enhance efficacy, safety, and prevent zoonotic diseases like leptospirosis. In poultry, a sector crucial for food security, Boehringer Ingelheim's vector vaccine provides protection against three infectious diseases with just one injection, simplifying vaccination schedules, reducing antibiotic use, and enhancing farm biosecurity, contributing to a sustainable protein supply.

Niklas Birkner and the company's team in Vietnam. Photo: Boehringer Ingelheim Vietnam.

Technology and data are transforming the veterinary industry, and Boehringer Ingelheim aims to build a connected ecosystem for smart farming. This ecosystem will effectively utilize technology to promote healthier livestock, sustainable farm operations, and positive community impacts. This represents not just innovation but a transformation to create long-term value for Vietnam's livestock industry. This year, the company introduced the Animal Health Hub e-portal, an online platform providing information on products, services, technical recommendations, and modern livestock trends. This is expected to become a reliable resource for farmers, veterinarians, and industry partners.

The STOP Rabies program has provided free rabies vaccinations for over 33,000 dogs and cats in Long An province. Photo: Boehringer Ingelheim Vietnam.

The company has undertaken numerous community activities recently, with a focus on rabies prevention. Over the past 5 years, through the STOP Rabies program, Boehringer Ingelheim has collaborated with partners and local authorities to provide free rabies vaccinations for over 33,000 dogs and cats in Long An province. This initiative has also raised awareness among thousands of residents about rabies prevention and responsible pet ownership.

Recently, the company expanded educational activities in Tay Ninh, helping over 30,000 students better understand rabies and the importance of protecting themselves, their families, and their pets. Boehringer Ingelheim's long-term goal is to sustain annual rabies vaccination campaigns, broaden educational initiatives, and strengthen cooperation with local governments, thereby contributing to the government's objective of eliminating human deaths from rabies by 2030.

Moving into 2026, beyond maintaining its position as one of the leading companies in the animal health sector, Boehringer Ingelheim aspires to create a future where innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development converge. In Vietnam, the company will continue to provide locally tailored solutions, working with veterinarians and farmers to strengthen the One Health ecosystem. It will also align with national priorities concerning antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and sustainable agriculture, aiming for long-term benefits for the veterinary industry and the community.

Boehringer Ingelheim's long-term commitment stems from the belief that when animals are healthy, people are healthier too. This principle drives the company's mission to "improve life for generations."

The Dan