Weekly Livestock-Equine News: April 13, 2026

Simple ECG could flag racehorses at risk of arrhythmias

Using an AI system that measures any “disorderliness” of the heart’s electrical signal, researchers from the University of Surrey, the University of Minnesota, Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons and Wisconsin Equine Clinic found they could distinguish horses likely to develop premature beats at peak exercise using only short ECG recordings taken at rest or light exercise – when heart rates sit between 60 and 100 beats per minute. The test was shown to be highly effective at ruling out horses that are not at risk. Horses that screen positive could then be referred for a full exercising ECG to confirm the type and severity of any arrhythmia.

Veterinarians still defining their role in genomics

Genomic testing is gaining traction in the beef industry, and increasingly, producers are looking to their veterinarians for guidance. A practical starting point is to focus on a defined group of animals tied to an immediate decision, such as replacement heifers, advises Kelsey Luebbe, genomics technical services scientist with Neogen. This allows genomic data to be applied directly without overcomplicating the process

Natural compounds could replace antibiotic growth promoters

Scientists with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station report that essential oils, such as rosemary and oregano, given to weaned pigs supported favorable gut health and growth performance later in their lives by preserving microbial diversity and improving nutrient utilization. The long-term study is part of the Station’s search to find replacements for antibiotic growth promoters.

FDA approves generic oral paste for equine gastric ulcers

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved Gastrobim (omeprazole) oral paste for the treatment of gastric ulcers and prevention of gastric ulcer recurrence in horses and foals four weeks of age and older. Gastrobim is a proton pump inhibitor, a class of medications that act by blocking the pumps in the stomach lining that release stomach acid. Gastrobim contains the same active ingredient (omeprazole) as the approved brand-name drug product, Gastrogard.

Parnell launches generic version of Resflo Gold

Parnell Technologies Pty. Ltd. announced the U.S. launch of nixiFLOR (florfenicol and flunixin meglumine) injectable solution, recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and control of BRD-associated pyrexia (fever) in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle. nixiFLOR is available by prescription only and must be used under the direction of a licensed veterinarian.

USDA funds $2M to test antiviral fogging to combat avian influenza

A research team led by Purdue University, Entomol and 1,4Group has been awarded $2 million from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to test hydrogenated catmint oil (HCO) – an Entomol product – to target and inhibit HPAI in poultry environments. HCO has been shown to interfere with the virus’s ability to disrupt influenza viruses in the air and on surfaces, said Entomol CEO Mark Sloneker. The USDA-supported project will allow the team to evaluate its potential as a practical biosecurity tool for poultry producers.