Weekly Livestock-Equine News: August 24, 2026

Merck gets USDA approval for vaccine to protect against 4 diseases

Merck Animal Health announced U.S. Department of Agriculture approval of INNOVAX ND-IBD-ILT, the first recombinant vaccine to provide protection against Newcastle disease, infectious bursal disease, infectious laryngotracheitis and Marek’s disease in a single hatchery vaccination. INNOVAX ND-IBD-ILT will be commercially available in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Rayence introduces portable imaging device for field work

The South Korean-based company has introduced the “Anywhere-V,” a portable imaging device for equine hospitals, livestock farms, wildlife rescue centers and large-animal field practices. The device is reported to support multiple portable generator options including X-Lite, PXP-40HF, and VET-20BT, available in both battery-powered and AC-powered configurations. Its wireless detector offers an optional battery capable of operating for up to 16 hours, according to the company.

Zomedica, Boehringer Ingelheim to expand PPID detection in Canada

Under the agreement, Zomedica will support the placement of its TRUFORMA analyzers in participating equine veterinary practices in Canada, while Boehringer Ingelheim will provide eligible customers with complimentary diagnostic testing performed using Zomedica’s TRUFORMA platform. Diagnostic cartridge kits will be provided at no cost to eligible Boehringer Ingelheim customers.

Dechra Analgesia Prize recognizes buprenorphine study from UC Davis

Funded by the veterinary school’s Center for Equine Health, the study sought to evaluate newly available formulations of the pain reliever buprenorphine that can be applied directly to the skin. This type of application could allow for less frequent dosing while maintaining pain relief and resulting in fewer side effects, including reduced gut motility. The researchers reported that delivery to the skin on the neck resulted in sustained pain relief with minimal adverse effects. Additional studies are needed.

New blood test shows promise for detecting Johne’s Disease in cattle

Researchers at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness have developed a blood-based diagnostic that uses a combination of host microRNAs and machine learning to identify cattle infected with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Infected cattle can harbor Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) for years while showing few or no clinical signs of Johne’s disease, and conventional tests may miss animals during that period. The Centre’s test correctly identified all 81 uninfected cattle and 15 of 17 infected cattle, achieving 98% accuracy and an overall diagnostic performance score of 0.97.

Researchers to explore better diagnostic tests for bovine leptospirosis

A team of American and Israel researchers have been awarded a $570,000 grant to explore how novel protein antigens may significantly improve cattle ranchers’ detection of leptospirosis. The disease can be tricky to diagnose, since infected cattle often do not show pronounced symptoms. Ranchers may first notice something is wrong when their female cows start having reproductive issues. One of the researchers – UConn assistant professor Elsio Wunder, DVM, PhD – has previously received NIH funding for his work on developing a new leptospirosis vaccine. This project will build on that work, while focusing on diagnostic tests.