Press Release

Inauguration of CVBD World Forum in Billesley, UK

Canine Vector Borne Disease (CVBD) recognised as increasing problem for UK dogs

21. April 2006

Birmingham – On April 20th the first World Forum of “Canine Vector Borne Diseases” (CVBD) was founded in Billesley/UK. A major target of the World Forum, consisting of international scientists and veterinarians, is to discuss current scientific knowledge and needs regarding the prevention of specific animal diseases which are transmitted by blood-sucking parasites. The UK Member of the expert group is Alexander J. Trees, Professor of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Liverpool.

Graham Dick, Country Head of the Animal Health Division, Bayer plc, said he was happy that Bayer had hosted this inaugural meeting of the forum in the UK with so many worldwide renowned scientists and veterinary experts. Thanking the participants for their significant contribution he added: “CVBD is an important, though sometimes underrated, issue here in the UK. Many diseases, once thought of as exotic and only likely in other climates, are being reported with changes in our own climate and the advent of easier international travel.”

Bayer Animal Health in the United Kingdom provides 59 per cent of the wormer and 12 per cent of the ectoparasite sales for companion animals through veterinarians. Bayer’s sales of companion animal products in the UK are its second largest worldwide. “We see Bayer as a leading expert in canine parasitology and thus key to the support of veterinarian and associated staff in informing pet owners of the potential threats to their dogs and of appropriate means of prevention,” said Mr. Dick.

About Bayer HealthCare AG:

Bayer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. Bayer HealthCare generated sales amounting to some 9.4 billion euros and employed 33.800 people worldwide in 2005.

The company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care, Diagnostics and Pharmaceuticals divisions. The new Pharmaceuticals division was established on January 1, 2006, and comprises the former Biological Products and Pharmaceutical divisions. Pharmaceuticals now has three business units: Hematology/Cardiology, Oncology and Primary Care.

Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. The products enhance well-being and quality of life by diagnosing, preventing and treating diseases.

Forward-looking statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in our public reports filed with the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (including our Form 20-F). The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

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