Weekly Companion Animal News: June 22, 2026

Pet Advocacy Network urges the Senate to pass the Healthy Dog Importation Act

Following the first USDA-confirmed case of New World screwworm infecting a family dog, the Pet Advocacy Network urged the Senate to pass a Farm Bill with the Healthy Dog Importation Act, which would increase health regulations for the more than 1 million dogs brought into the U.S. every year. “Flesh-eating parasites like New World Screwworm are one of many zoonotic diseases that can affect both our family pets and their owners,” said Alyssa Miller-Hurley, vice president of government affairs for PAN. The Senate Agriculture Committee is expected to release its version of the Farm Bill this month.

Midwestern U halts planned veterinary school on its Illinois campus

Midwestern University announced it will “pause further action” on developing a veterinary school at its campus in suburban Chicago, but remains committed to its veterinary school in Glendale, Arizona, which opened in 2024. The planned new Midwestern program is the fourth in the country to be halted since 2023, including planned schools by Chamberlain University, Marshall University and Hanover College. That said, six schools have opened or are about to open, and six more remain in the pipeline.

Elanco announces USDA approval of Lyme/leptospirosis vaccine for dogs

The company expects to begin shipping TruCan Ultra Lyme-L4, a ½ mL combination vaccine protecting against Lyme disease and leptospirosis, in July. As an expansion of the TruCan Ultra line, the 1/2 mL formulation provides the same protection as the category-exclusive 1 mL version, but in half the volume. The product features Elanco’s PureFil technology, designed to reduce vaccination reactions associated with unwanted protein.

FDA OKs emergency use of first generic screwworm drug for cats and dogs

The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for generic Nitenpyram Tablets (nitenpyram) from Felix Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. for the treatment of New World screwworm infestations (myiasis) in dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens that weigh at least two pounds and are at least four weeks old. Following treatment with the tablets, a veterinary professional may need to physically remove any remaining live or dead larvae.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition launches prescription products for kidney function, GI and skin sensitivities

Hill’s announced two new offerings for pets with kidney issues alongside skin or gastrointestinal sensitivities: Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d + Derm Complete and Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d + z/d Hydrolyzed. The products, which are available via veterinarian recommendation, feature ActivBiome+ Kidney Defense, a blend of prebiotic fiber shown to activate a pet’s gut microbiome to reduce harmful waste products.

Evidence of effectiveness of post-dental-procedural antimicrobials is slim

The evidence base to assess the incidence and risks of infectious complications after dental procedures and impact of antimicrobial prophylaxis in dogs and cats is severely limited, according to a study in the Journal of Small Animal Practice. “This highlights a major research gap for a common patient population and hampers development of evidence-based guidelines for peri-procedural antimicrobial administration in dogs and cats,” according to the researchers. With the completion of this vaccine development research project — funded by the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association and USPoultry Foundation — the candidates will move to preclinical evaluation and field testing.

Akston announces results of canine atopic pruritus study

Beverly, Massachusetts-based Akston Biosciences announced preclinical results of a study that demonstrated its AKS-699 treatment for canine atopic pruritus is as effective as an existing product on the market with reduced dosing. The study compared AKS-699, the company’s Fc-fusion immunotherapeutic targeting interleukin-31 (IL-31), against lokivetmab (marketed as Cytopoint by Zoetis) in a canine IL-31-induced pruritus model. Canine atopic dermatitis affects approximately 10–15% of the dog population and is one of the most common conditions seen in veterinary dermatology practice.

Outdoor roaming of owned cats elevates zoonotic risk

Cats with outdoor access are more likely to carry infections than indoor-only cats, and their risk of infection may be comparable to that of feral cats, according to a study in PLoS Pathogens. This similarity suggests that outdoor access leading to hunting or contact with wildlife and other free-roaming animals can rapidly negate the protective effects of ownership. Because owned cats also have frequent close contact with people, infection acquired outdoors may increase opportunities for onward exposure to owners and the broader public.