Weekly Livestock-Equine News: May 25, 2026

Zoetis receives Emergency Use Authorization for injectable drug to prevent, treat NWS

The FDA issued an EUA for Dectomax/Dectomax-CA1 (doramectin injection) injectable solution by Zoetis for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm infestations (myiasis) in dairy cattle (lactating dairy cows, dry dairy cows and replacement dairy heifers 20 months of age and older), except for calves that will be processed for veal. The EUA also authorizes Dectomax/Dectomax-CA1 for the prevention of NWS myiasis in swine, horses at least one year old, sheep except for lactating sheep, and deer.

More potent bird flu strain emerging

A widely circulating strain of avian influenza – H9N2 – demonstrates significantly greater ability to replicate, spread and infect chickens compared to another major lineage, according to The Pirbright Institute in England. Scientists compared representative viruses from a G57 genotype virus isolated in Vietnam and a G1-B genotype virus isolated in Pakistan. G57 virus replicated more efficiently in chicken embryos and caused significantly higher mortality and, unlike the G1-B virus, spread throughout multiple organs, including the brain, lungs and intestines. Chickens infected with the G57 virus shed more virus, both through the respiratory tract and via feces, leading to greater infection of contact birds.

Microneedle patch shown capable of vaccinating against foot and mouth disease

University of Connecticut researchers have reported that a patch can deliver a safe, temperature-stabilized vaccine against foot and mouth disease – no needles required. In a test, the researchers found the patches induced the same antibodies in mice as the old, injectable vaccine had and were easier to apply. Moreover, they reported that the patches could be kept at room temperature for weeks. The next step will be to test the vaccine in large animals, such as pigs.

Philippines lifts 4 ½-year ban on importation of domestic birds from California

The Philippines Department of Agriculture has lifted the temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds and their products – including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen – from California. The ban was issued in November 2022 following reports submitted by California’s veterinary authorities to the World Organization for Animal Health, which indicated additional H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza affecting domestic birds in the state.

U of KY receives funding to strengthen equine pre-veterinary training

The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) has received a $1 million private gift to pilot Pathfinder, a new initiative designed to expand training and support for students pursuing equine veterinary careers. The MGCAFE Pathfinder: Equine Pre-Veterinary Support Fund will enhance recruitment, outreach and educational opportunities for high school, undergraduate and graduate students preparing for veterinary school. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 500 counties in 46 states face large-animal veterinary shortages, including 86 of Kentucky’s 120 counties.

Vaccine candidates show promise for control of aMPV subtype B in poultry

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association announced the completion of a research project that developed both live and inactivated vaccine candidates for avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) subtype B. One of the live vaccine candidates showed strong safety and provided complete protection in chickens, while the inactivated vaccine generated strong protective antibody responses. These results demonstrate strong potential for practical, field-ready tools to help control aMPV in poultry.