MSD Animal Health to acquire TARGAN, expands poultry hatchery technology portfolio

USA – MSD Animal Health, known as Merck Animal Health in the United States and Canada, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire poultry technology company TARGAN, strengthening its position in hatchery automation and precision poultry health management.

The deal is expected to close in Q3 2026, subject to regulatory approval. 

It brings two key innovations to MSD Animal Health’s portfolio: WingScan™, an automated chick-sexing system capable of processing up to 160,000 chicks per hour using machine vision and proprietary algorithms, and a high-speed, precision ocular spray system for automated vaccine administration to day-old chicks.

MSD Animal Health has been an investor in TARGAN since 2017 and is currently one of its largest shareholders. 

Financial terms were not disclosed.

“The acquisition of TARGAN’s best-in-class biodevice technology for use in commercial hatcheries complements and accelerates our growing biopharmaceutical presence in poultry and increases our ability to deliver significant customer value globally,” said Rick DeLuca, President of MSD Animal Health. 

“TARGAN brings device development capabilities that will further strengthen our ability to provide animal health solutions across species.”

TARGAN CEO Ramin Karimpour welcomed the move. 

“Through this proposed acquisition, TARGAN will be able to access the resources and infrastructure of MSD Animal Health, which will be critical in deploying our innovative biodevice technology alongside MSD Animal Health’s broad portfolio of poultry vaccines for customers.”

Beyond poultry, TARGAN’s biodevice platform is expected to open future applications across other livestock sectors.

New World screwworm: innovation and industrywide vigilance

On the cattle side, MSD Animal Health is intensifying efforts to combat New World screwworm following confirmation of the first case in US cattle. 

The company recently hosted an NWS symposium in San Antonio (April 22-24), bringing together producers, veterinarians, researchers, and government representatives to align on preparedness and risk-mitigation strategies.

“The US cattle industry successfully eradicated New World screwworm in the past, and renewed vigilance and collaboration across the industry are essential to preventing and managing this evolving threat,” said DeLuca. 

“Merck Animal Health is committed to being a partner in that effort by providing innovative solutions to support veterinarian and producer preparedness.”

A centrepiece of the company’s response is EXZOLT® CATTLE-CA1 (fluralaner topical solution), which received conditional FDA approval in December 2025, the first novel ectoparasiticide for beef cattle in several decades. 

The pour-on product, available in the US since early 2026, targets southern border states at the highest NWS risk, and is also conditionally approved for cattle fever tick.

“EXZOLT CATTLE-CA1 represents an entirely new drug class never before used in US cattle,” said Justin Welsh, Executive Director of Livestock Technical Services. 

“When paired with strong veterinary partnerships and proactive management, it gives the industry an important new tool to help protect cattle herds.”

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.