Award recognizes outstanding contributions to advancing animal welfare in Canada

September 22, 2025 – Dr. Isabelle Maheu of Sainte-Christine, Quebec has been named the recipient of the 2025 Metacam^® Bovine Welfare Award for her unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of cattle. Her pioneering work and contributions to improving animal welfare have been instrumental within Canada’s agricultural and veterinary community.

The Metacam^® Bovine Welfare Award is presented annually by the Canadian Association of Bovine Veterinarians (CABV) / Association Canadienne des Vétérinaires Bovins (ACVB) in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada Inc. Dr. Maheu was presented with the award at the 2025 L’Association des Médecins Vétérinaires Praticiens du Québec annual conference on Sept. 20, 2025.

“The CABV/ACVB extends its congratulations to Dr. Isabelle Maheu,” said Dr. Nathan Erickson, President of the CABV/ACVB. “Dr. Maheu’s dedication to educating clients on pain management and proper care for injured animals has made a meaningful and positive impact to cattle welfare and the veterinary profession.”

Dr. Maheu is a veterinarian at the Bureau vétérinaire de Richmond where she focuses on preventive and curative medicine for cattle. She is committed to educating clients about the importance of pain management and proper methods for moving non-ambulatory cows, with an emphasis on using appropriate tools. She also shares her knowledge by mentoring students at the University of Montreal, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Beyond her daily practice, Dr. Maheu was at the heart of the creation of a working group within the Stratégie québécoise en santé et bien-être animal, focused on non-health related animal emergencies. The group’s mandate is to support owners, animal caretakers and industry specialists in preparing for crisis situations, including fires. Her work on emergency planning has been presented at provincial conferences to veterinarians, agronomists and producers – raising awareness, sharing practical knowledge and driving solutions to improve animal welfare during crisis. She also worked with local firefighters to strengthen resource coordination, ensuring access to adapted material and faster mobilization of veterinary services during farm fires, ultimately improving animal care and outcomes.

“I feel extremely privileged to have been nominated for an award I hold in such high regard,” Dr. Maheu said. “Without the support of my many colleagues, I wouldn’t have been able to dedicate myself so fully to this concern for animal welfare, which has always been at the heart of my practice.”

Dr. Maheu is recognized by her colleagues and clients for her devotion and professional rigor to improving animal welfare and driving meaningful change.

In support of her award nomination, Jean-Phillippe Roy, DVM, M.Sc., Dipl. ECBHM, Full professor at University of Montreal, said Dr. Maheu is an extraordinary leader and is a role model for the veterinary profession.

“Dr. Maheu is a passionate veterinarian, dedicated to animal welfare along with demonstrating outstanding human qualities,” he said. “Her ultimate objective has always been the health and well-being of farm animals, which is the source of her motivation and what has guided her remarkable accomplishments.”

Jacques Bouthillette, Business Unit Director, Bovine with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada, explained the Metacam^® Bovine Welfare Award recognizes and encourages those who research and work to advance animal welfare and well-being.

“Congratulations to Dr. Maheu for her outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the advancement of bovine welfare in Canada.” said Bouthillette. “Her work and strong welfare philosophy are making a lasting impact, not only on animal care but across the broader agricultural community.”

Bouthillette thanked the CABV/ACVB for its work to seek nominations and select the recipient of the award.

About CABV/ACVB  

The Canadian Association of Bovine Veterinarians (CABV) / Association Canadienne des Vétérinaires Bovins (ACVB) represents approximately 800 veterinarians from across Canada who have a specific interest in bovine health and production medicine. The Board is composed of twelve members who are also representatives on the Boards of Canada’s four regional bovine associations: Atlantic Bovine Practitioners Association (ABPA), l'Association des Médecins Vétérinaires Praticiens du Québec (AMVPQ), Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners (OABP) and the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners (WCABP). 

Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.  

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable tomorrow. The Canadian headquarters of Boehringer Ingelheim was established in 1972 in Montreal, Quebec and is now located in Burlington, Ontario. Boehringer Ingelheim employs approximately 500 people across Canada. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/ca.  

About Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health 

Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and society. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/ca/animal-health  

About the Metacam^® Bovine Welfare Award 

The Metacam^® 20 Bovine Welfare Award is given annually to a DVM or animal scientist working in Canada, a faculty member or a graduate student of a Canadian university to recognize his/her achievements in advancing the welfare of animals via leadership, public service, education, research/product development, and/or advocacy. By doing so, the CABV/ACVB hopes to raise public awareness of the important role veterinarians and animal scientists play in:

• Improving bovine welfare in cattle production and research systems
• Improving scientific methods of measuring bovine welfare

Metacam^® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under license. 

Past Metacam 20 Bovine Welfare Award Recipients

2024 - Dr. Diego Moya (Saskatchewan)
2023 - Dr. Charlotte Winder (Ontario)
2022 - Dr. Karen Schartzkopf-Genswein (Alberta)
2021 - Dr. Trevor DeVries (Ontario)
2020 - Dr. Karin Orsel (Alberta)
2019 - Dr. André Desrochers (Quebec)
2018 - Dr. Todd Duffield (Ontario)
2017 - Dr. Joyce Van Donkersgoed (Alberta)
2016 - Dr. Ken Leslie (Ontario)
2015 - Dr. Ed Pajor (Alberta)
2014 - Dr. Joseph Stookey (Saskatchewan)
2013 - Drs. Marina von Keyserlingk and Dan Weary (British Columbia)
2012 - Dr. Neil Anderson (Ontario) 

Award recognizes outstanding contributions to advancing animal welfare in Canada

September 12, 2024 – Dr. Diego Moya of the University of Saskatchewan has been named the recipient of the 2024 Metacam® Bovine Welfare Award for his outstanding contributions to research, education, and public service, significantly advancing the scientific understanding of bovine welfare and implementing improvements within this field.

The Metacam® Bovine Welfare Award is presented annually by the Canadian Association of Bovine Veterinarians (CABV) / Association Canadienne des Vétérinaires Bovins (ACVB) in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada Inc. Dr. Moya was announced as the award winner at the Annual General Meeting of the CABV/ACVB in Columbus, Ohio on Sept. 12, 2024.

"The CABV/ACVB extends its congratulations to Dr. Diego Moya,” said Dr. Jodi Wallace, President of the CABV/ACVB. “Dr. Moya’s passion for animal welfare, that is so well reflected in his research and in all of his professional activities, has been a great benefit to cattle and to those who work with cattle."

Dr. Moya is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan. His research focuses on how nutritional management can enhance animal welfare, how to mitigate pain associated with castration in beef cattle and investigating the connections between animal welfare, behaviour, and disease. 

In addition to his research, Dr. Moya is a strong advocate for animal welfare in modern agriculture, serving on animal welfare committees, including the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association Animal Welfare Committee and the University of Saskatchewan Scientific Merit Review Committee for Animal-Based Research.

“I am deeply honoured to receive the 2024 Metacam Bovine Welfare Award,” Dr. Moya said. “I am grateful for this award and the opportunity to join the ranks of esteemed past recipients who have all made substantial contributions to improving bovine welfare. This recognition also reflects the unwavering support I have received from my colleagues and mentors.”  

In his support for the award nomination, Dr. Christopher Luby, Associate Professor and Head Department of Large Animal Clinical Science, said Dr. Moya is a recognized leader in bovine welfare.

“Dr. Moya has significantly advanced our scientific understanding of bovine welfare and implemented improvements in this field,” said Dr. Luby. “He has shown exceptional leadership in imparting the science, ethics and culture of animal welfare to the next generation of veterinarians and animal scientists.”

Derek Groff, Business Unit Director (Livestock) with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada, explained the Metacam® Bovine Welfare Award recognizes and encourages those who research and work to advance animal welfare and well-being.  “Dr. Moya’s dedication and passion is recognized through his invaluable research and leadership in animal welfare, significantly benefiting the cattle industry,” Groff said. “We congratulate Dr. Moya for his profound impact and contributions to the advancement of bovine welfare in Canada.”

Groff thanked the CABV/ACVB for its work to seek nominations and select the recipient of the award.

About CABV/ACVB

The Canadian Association of Bovine Veterinarians (CABV) / Association Canadienne des Vétérinaires Bovins (ACVB) represents approximately 800 veterinarians from across Canada who have a specific interest in bovine health and production medicine. The Board is composed of thirteen members who are also representatives on the Boards of Canada’s four regional bovine associations: Atlantic Bovine Practitioners Association (ABPA), l'Association des Médecins Vétérinaires Praticiens du Québec (AMVPQ), Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners (OABP) and the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners (WCABP).

Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. More than 53,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable tomorrow. The Canadian headquarters of Boehringer Ingelheim was established in 1972 in Montreal, Quebec and is now located in Burlington, Ontario. Boehringer Ingelheim employs approximately 500 people across Canada. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/ca

About Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and society. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health

About the Metacam^® 20 Bovine Welfare Award

The Metacam^® 20 Bovine Welfare Award is given annually to a DVM or animal scientist working in Canada, a faculty member or a graduate student of a Canadian university to recognize his/her achievements in advancing the welfare of animals via leadership, public service, education, research/product development, and/or advocacy. By doing so, the CABV/ACVB hopes to raise public awareness of the important role veterinarians and animal scientists play in:

• Improving bovine welfare in cattle production and research systems
• Improving scientific methods of measuring bovine welfare

*Registered trade names: Metacam® 20 mg/mL Solution for Injection and Metacam® 40 mg/mL Solution for Injection
Metacam® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under license

Past Metacam 20 Bovine Welfare Award Recipients

2023 - Dr. Charlotte Winder (Ontario)
2022 - Dr. Karen Schartzkopf-Genswein (Alberta)
2021 - Dr. Trevor DeVries (Ontario)
2020 - Dr. Karin Orsel (Alberta)
2019 - Dr. André Desrochers (Quebec)
2018 - Dr. Todd Duffield (Ontario)
2017 - Dr. Joyce Van Donkersgoed (Alberta)
2016 - Dr. Ken Leslie (Ontario)
2015 - Dr. Ed Pajor (Alberta)
2014 - Dr. Joseph Stookey (Saskatchewan)
2013 - Drs. Marina von Keyserlingk and Dan Weary (British Columbia)
2012 - Dr. Neil Anderson (Ontario) 

Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the welfare of animals in Canada

September 21, 2023 – Dr. Charlotte Winder of the University of Guelph in Ontario has been named the recipient of the 2023 Metacam^® 20 Bovine Welfare Award for her unwavering commitment to cattle health and welfare, and for her significant contributions to improving the well-being of dairy cattle.

The Metacam^® 20 Bovine Welfare Award is presented annually by the Canadian Association of Bovine Veterinarians (CABV) / Association Canadienne des Vétérinaires Bovins (ACVB) in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada Inc. Dr. Winder was announced as the award winner at the Annual General Meeting of the CABV/ACVB in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Sept. 21, 2023.

"The CABV/ACVB extends its congratulations to Dr. Charlotte Winder,” said Dr. Ray Reynen, President of the CABV/ACVB. “Charlotte's passion for animal welfare, that is so well reflected in her research and in all of her professional activities, has been a great benefit to cattle and to those who work with cattle."

Dr. Winder is an Associate Professor in the Department of Population Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph. Her research focuses on improving the health and performance of ruminant species, primarily dairy cattle and small ruminants. Research areas include pain management in ruminants, health management and performance of youngstock, knowledge translation and transfer, and knowledge synthesis. Dr. Winder is a clinician within the ruminant ambulatory practice and teaches in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.

“I’m honoured to be the recipient of the 2023 Metacam^® 20 Bovine Welfare Award,” Dr. Winder said. “My work in bovine welfare research has only been possible with substantial contributions from graduate students, academic colleagues and collaborators, producers, and veterinarians, as well as support from industry. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work in this area, and for the recognition of the importance of bovine welfare by the CABV and Boehringer Ingelheim.”

In her support of the award nomination, Dr. Kelly Barratt, Global Director Animal Welfare at Saputo, said Dr. Winder’s experience in practice allows her to translate her research findings into practical recommendations.

“Her ability to translate her extensive knowledge into everyday applications that benefit both cattle and farmers is truly remarkable,” Dr. Barratt said.

Also in support of the nomination, Ann Godkin, DVM, DVSc, Ceptor Cattle Health and Education Programs, spoke of how Dr. Winder’s research into pain management and exploration of different teaching methods contributed to widespread adoption of good pain management practices and the use of better technical protocols for dairy and beef calves.

“This has been a great example of a strong educational effort using research outcomes to shift veterinary and producer’s attitudes towards pain relief in a positive direction resulting in greatly improved cattle welfare,” she said.

Derek Groff, Business Unit Director (Livestock) with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada, explained the Metacam^® 20 Bovine Welfare Award recognizes and encourages those who research and work to advance animal welfare and well-being.

“As a bovine practitioner, cattle researcher and faculty member at the Ontario Veterinary College, Dr. Winder has made significant contributions to the advancement of bovine welfare in Canada and abroad,” Groff said. “We congratulate Dr. Winder for her accomplishments and express our gratitude for her incredible passion towards animal welfare that has resulted in tremendous benefits to the cattle industry.”

Groff thanked the CABV/ACVB for its work to seek nominations and select the recipient of the award.

About CABV/ACVB

The Canadian Association of Bovine Veterinarians (CABV) / Association Canadienne des Vétérinaires Bovins (ACVB) represents approximately 800 veterinarians from across Canada who have a specific interest in bovine health and production medicine. The Board is composed of thirteen members who are also representatives on the Boards of Canada’s four regional bovine associations: Atlantic Bovine Practitioners Association (ABPA), l'Association des Médecins Vétérinaires Praticiens du Québec (AMVPQ), Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners (OABP) and the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners (WCABP).

Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.

Boehringer Ingelheim is working on breakthrough therapies that transform lives, today and for generations to come. As a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, the company creates value through innovation in areas of high unmet medical need. Founded in 1885 and family-owned ever since, Boehringer Ingelheim takes a long-term, sustainable perspective. More than 53,000 employees serve over 130 markets in the two business units, Human Pharma and Animal Health. The Canadian headquarters of Boehringer Ingelheim was established in 1972 in Montreal, Quebec and is now located in Burlington, Ontario. Boehringer Ingelheim employs approximately 500 people across Canada. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/ca.

About Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is working on first-in-class innovation for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of diseases in animals. For veterinarians, pet owners, farmers, and governments in more than 150 countries, we offer a large and innovative portfolio of products and services to improve the health and well-being of companion animals and livestock. As a global leader in the animal health industry and as part of family-owned Boehringer Ingelheim, we take a long-term perspective. The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways. We know that when animals are healthy, humans are healthier too. By using the synergies between our Animal Health and Human Pharma businesses and by delivering value through innovation, we enhance the health and well-being of both. For more information visit: https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health

About the Metacam^® 20 Bovine Welfare Award

The Metacam^® 20 Bovine Welfare Award is given annually to a DVM or animal scientist working in Canada, a faculty member or a graduate student of a Canadian university to recognize his/her achievements in advancing the welfare of animals via leadership, public service, education, research/product development, and/or advocacy. By doing so, the CABV/ACVB hopes to raise public awareness of the important role veterinarians and animal scientists play in:

• Improving bovine welfare in cattle production and research systems
• Improving scientific methods of measuring bovine welfare

*Registered Tradename: Metacam® 20 mg/mL Solution for Injection
Metacam® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH. abcd

Past Metacam 20 Bovine Welfare Award Recipients

2022 - Dr. Karen Schartzkopf-Genswein (Alberta)
2021 - Dr. Trevor DeVries (Ontario)
2020 - Dr. Karin Orsel (Alberta)
2019 - Dr. André Desrochers (Quebec)
2018 - Dr. Todd Duffield (Ontario)
2017 - Dr. Joyce Van Donkersgoed (Alberta)
2016 - Dr. Ken Leslie (Ontario)
2015 - Dr. Ed Pajor (Alberta)
2014 - Dr. Joseph Stookey (Saskatchewan)
2013 - Drs. Marina von Keyserlingk and Dan Weary (British Columbia)
2012 - Dr. Neil Anderson (Ontario)