Weekly Livestock-Equine News: July 27, 2026

Researchers developing system to identify BRD before calves look sick

Researchers at Penn State are developing the CalfHealth System, an AI-powered platform to identify calves at risk for bovine respiratory disease before obvious clinical signs appear. By recognizing subtle deviations from normal behavior, researchers hope the system will give veterinarians and producers an earlier opportunity to intervene while supporting more judicious antimicrobial use. BRD is the leading cause of disease in post-weaned calves and the leading killer of post-weaned calves, according to Melissa Cantor, assistant professor of precision dairy science at Penn State.

Emergency use of Ivermectin Liquid for Horses approved

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Ivermectin Liquid for Horses (ivermectin oral solution) for the short-term prevention of New World screwworm infestations (myiasis) in horses. The product is authorized for use when administered within 24 hours of birth or at the time of initial wound care. Ivermectin Liquid for Horses is not for use in species other than horses.

Feral swine could spread New World screwworm

Feral swine could play an important role in spreading New World screwworm, according to research published in the journal Veterinary Parasitology. The study, which examined infestations in Uruguay, found that male hogs frequently developed infestations from injuries sustained while fighting. Researchers noted that the animals’ wide-ranging movements could allow the parasite to spread into new areas.

Global progress reported on antimicrobial resistance

The global animal health sector has met or exceeded 23 of 25 commitments to support responsible antibiotic use, marking the culmination of an industry initiative launched in 2019. HealthforAnimals’ “Roadmap to Reducing the Need for Antibiotics” shows the sector invested an estimated US$13.8 billion in R&D, exceeding its original target of $10 billion, and brought to market 109 vaccines and 52 diagnostic tools. More than 1.9 million medicine users were trained in responsible antibiotic use.

Bovine TB vaccine shows promise after six years of field trials in Wales

Farmers and industry leaders have welcomed fresh progress in the development of a bovine TB vaccine for cattle, as six years of field trials move closer to completion in Great Britain. The latest work has seen 736 animals from 11 farms in the low-TB-incidence areas of England and Wales vaccinated with the long-standing BCG vaccine, and subsequently DIVA-tested. Progress has been described as ‘encouraging’, and all the sites have completed all on-farm activity, including vaccination and follow-up testing.

Racehorse study links medication to higher risk of EIPH detection

Omeprazole, one of the most widely used medications in Thoroughbred racing, may be associated with an increased likelihood of detecting exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), according to a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Omeprazole is commonly prescribed to treat equine gastric ulcer syndrome and is also widely used as a preventive treatment in horses, often without endoscopic confirmation of ulcers.