Weekly Livestock-Equine News: May 4, 2026

Biometric sensors show potential for injury detection in racehorses

The American Association of Equine Practitioners reports that its AAEP Wearable Biometric Sensor Research Project has demonstrated that the sensors show promise detecting musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses. While the AAEP believes the devices require further refinement before being mandated, it also believes the information they provide can be useful in making decisions regarding a horse’s health and welfare. “This study was not intended to validate the use of sensors as a tool to scratch horses from competition on race day, but rather to validate if sensors can provide more information about a racehorse’s physical condition prior to a horse being entered to race,” explained Dr. Sara Langsam, AAEP project coordinator for the study and chair of the AAEP Racing Committee.

Are we treating the wrong cows for metritis?

Overtreating for metritis could be costing the U.S. dairy industry close to $270 million annually, writes Caio Figueiredo, assistant professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine of Washington State University, in Bovine Veterinarian magazine. In practice, metritis is diagnosed visually, using vaginal discharge scoring, he says. The issue lies not within how to score cows, but which scores define metritis. Most dairies don’t differentiate between VD4 score (purulent discharge) and VD5 (fetid, watery, red-brown discharge). “But they don’t look the same, and the data suggests they don’t behave the same either.”

CVS Equine (UK) launches antimicrobial prescribing guidelines

CVS Equine developed the guidelines to support evidence-based antimicrobial use throughout its 22 sites in the UK. They cover 16 core clinical areas ranging from strangles and dental extraction to wounds and exploratory laparotomy. The content includes key decision-making principles, myth busting, optimizing culture results, guidance on when systemic antimicrobials are and are not indicated, recommendations on drug choice, dosing intervals and duration, and the roles of adjunctive support and non-antimicrobial alternatives.

FDA announces issuance of four EUAs to prevent New World screwworm infestations

The FDA issued three Emergency Use Authorizations for Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA’s treatments to prevent infestations of NWS in cattle, dogs and cats. The agency also issued one EUA for Health and Hygiene (Pty) Ltd.’s product to prevent and treat infestations caused by NWS larvae in cattle, horses, hoof stock and zoo mammals.

Alabama sounds alert regarding longhorned tick

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries is warning residents after the recent detection of the Asian longhorned tick on a dog in DeKalb County. The tick is known to spread Theileria orientalis, a serious disease that impacts cattle health and productivity. It may also transmit illnesses such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Heartland virus. Animals showing weight loss, lethargy, anemia, patchy hair coats or poor overall condition should be checked immediately.

OK Racing Commission issues emergency order

The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission has issued an Emergency Protective Order after reviewing evidence concerning horses that appeared in extreme distress after racing. As a protective measure, 171 horses are ineligible to enter or compete until they are cleared through further written action. Affected horses are subject to testing, veterinary examination, record production and individualized regulatory review before they may be considered for removal from that status.