Weekly Livestock-Equine News: May 11, 2026

Elanco receives EUA for topical powder to prevent and treat NWS in livestock

Elanco received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA for Negasunt Powder (coumaphos, propoxur, sulfanilamide topical powder) and a Section 18 Emergency Exemption from the U.S. EPA in cooperation with the USDA for Tanidil (coumaphos, propoxur) for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm infestations in a variety of livestock species.

Phibro works to accommodate regulatory change in Brazil regarding antimicrobials

Phibro announced it is working cooperatively with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, which published an ordinance on April 27 prohibiting the importation, manufacture, marketing and use of performance-enhancing feed additives containing antimicrobials classified as important in human or veterinary medicine. Under the new regulation, following the transition period, use of the subject antimicrobials will require a veterinary prescription. Phibro said it is making available to the Brazilian market PhibroVet, a digital platform designed to facilitate the management of veterinary prescriptions and prescription history.

Merck reports 13% growth in Q1 2026 animal health sales

Livestock sales were $1.064 billion, with growth attributed to higher demand for ruminant and poultry products as well as price. Companion animal sales were $727 million, with growth from new product launches and price partially offset by lower demand for other products in portfolio, reflecting a reduction in veterinary visits. Sales of BRAVECTO line of products were $379 million and $327 million in current and prior-year quarters, respectively, which represents an increase of 16%, or 9% excluding impact of foreign exchange.

JEV diagnostic tools sought for US swine industry

Japanese encephalitis virus, a mosquito-borne virus, can infect many species including swine and humans. While JEV is not currently in the U.S., incursion risk remains a concern given the virus’s recent global expansion. A recently completed project led by Katharine Bossart, Integrated Research Associates, LLC, discusses diagnostic testing capabilities for JEV in the U.S.

Horseracing board relaxes rules on Lasix

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) Board of Directors has approved a modification to permit the use of furosemide (commonly referred to as “Lasix” within 48 hours prior to a race for covered horses, with the exception of: two-year-old covered horses and covered horses competing in stakes races. In reaching its decision, the Board considered the findings and recommendations of the Furosemide Advisory Committee (FAC), which included a finding that available scientific evidence does not support the assertion that furosemide is a performance-enhancing substance.

Bacteria shown to adapt to thrive in dairy cattle: Roslin Institute

Bacteria that are a major source of infection are able to survive and persist in dairy cattle by accessing nutrients from milk, researchers from The Roslin Institute in Edinburgh have shown. The bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, which causes widespread human disease and is a leading cause of mastitis in dairy cows, has undergone key metabolic changes that help it survive in the udder. By identifying the biological mechanisms bacteria use to unlock nutrients, the research shows how S. aureus generates the resources needed to sustain infection in the udder. The findings highlight potential ways to control mastitis in dairy cattle, such as targeting pathways important for growth.