1. FDA adds ointment to its emergency use arsenal against screwworm
AVMA News
May 6, 2026
An ointment has received emergency use authorization (EUA) for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm (NWS) infestations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on April 24.
After an EUA for a similar topical spray for NWS was issued in March, this latest authorization is for the F10 Antiseptic Barrier Ointment with Insecticide (benzalkonium chloride, polyhexanide, and cypermethrin topical ointment) to prevent and treat NWS infestations in cattle, horses, minor hoof stock species, raptors, and wild and pet birds as well as captive wild, exotic, and zoo mammals. It is not for use in dogs or cats.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says New World screwworm (NWS) is not currently present in the U.S.
The ectoparasiticide and antiseptic ointment is available over the counter. The topical ointment comes in comes in 3.5- and 17.6-ounce jars containing the active ingredients benzalkonium chloride 0.405 g/100 mL, polyhexanide 0.03 g/100 mL, and cypermethrin 0.25 g/100 g.
The directions on FDA's fact sheet say to apply a layer of ointment over the entire wound site. The FDA advises using disposable gloves during application and washing hands after use.
The application may be repeated once a week if necessary or as advised by a veterinarian. The ointment is water-soluble and should be reapplied if the animal is exposed to rain or bathed.
Treated cattle, goats, and sheep must not be slaughtered for human consumption within 30 days of treatment, according to the FDA. The same applies for nondomesticated minor species of hoofstock.
Further, milk from cows, goats, or sheep during treatment and for 10 days following treatment must not be used for human consumption.
Full text: https://www.avma.org/news/fda-adds-ointment-its-emergency-use-arsenal-against-screwworm
2. BVD virus control programs: Why is it so difficult?
There is much debate about how to best identify and remove bovine viral diarrhea "persistently infected" calves.
By Dr. Michelle Arnold DVM, University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
The Ohio State University
Beef Magazine
May 7, 2026
Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus contributes to a wide range of reproductive, respiratory and digestive system diseases in cattle. Although symptoms of the initial virus infection are typically mild, such as fever and loss of appetite, there is much more going on than meets the eye.
In calves, the BVD virus' effect is primarily immunosuppressive, predisposing infected calves to secondary bacterial infections particularly in the lungs. In naïve, susceptible (unvaccinated or poorly vaccinated) adult cows and heifers, infection with the BVD virus may ultimately result in some form of reproductive failure, including infertility, early embryonic death, abortion, stillbirth, birth of a malformed calf or a weak newborn, depending on the phase of gestation when the female became infected.
If a pregnant, susceptible cow or heifer is infected with the BVD virus between approximately 42-125 days of gestation, the virus will also cross the placenta and infect her unborn calf. When this calf is born, it is "persistently infected," or "PI," and is a "carrier" of the virus for its lifetime. Approximately half of PI calves appear normal, and their infection can only be detected through laboratory diagnostic tests. Research has shown that 90% of PI calves are born to dams that experienced a "transient" or short-lived BVD infection in early pregnancy. The remaining 10% are born to PI-positive cows that will always produce a PI calf.
Full text: https://www.beefmagazine.com/livestock-management/bvd-virus-control-programs-why-is-it-so-difficult-
3. Nebraska Horse Confirmed Positive for EHV-1
EDCC Health Watch
TheHorse.com
May 6, 2026
On May 6, 2026, veterinarians confirmed that an 8-year-old Quarter Horse at a private facility in Douglas County, Nebraska, tested positive for the respiratory form of equine herpesvirus. The gelding, which had recently been purchased at a sale in Iowa and transported to Nebraska, began showing clinical signs on April 6. The attending veterinarian reported that the horse had a cough, snotty nose, petechiae (tiny dots on the skin, caused by the leakage of blood from tiny capillaries under the skin) inside the muzzle and gums, and swelling of the limbs, sheath, and other parts of the body. He is currently affected and alive.
Full text: https://thehorse.com/1144237/nebraska-horse-confirmed-positive-for-ehv-1/
4. Extension Launches Free Online Course for Spanish-Speaking Poultry Workers [edited]
Free, live online course designed to help Spanish-speaking poultry workers build communication skills for workplace success and advancement
MorningAgClips.com
May 6, 2026
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State Extension will offer a free, live online course designed to help Spanish-speaking poultry workers build communication skills for workplace success and advancement.
"Communication Skills for Spanish-Speaking Poultry Workers" is a four-week, instructor-led program focused on everyday workplace language used on poultry operations. Webinars will occur from 1:30-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from June 9 to July 1.
Taught in Spanish, the course is aimed at providing a supportive environment for learning practical English and building confidence.
More information and registration is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/communication-skills-for-spanish-speaking-poultry-workers.
5. Only one case of bird flu in the state so far this spring [turkeys - MN]
By JP Cola
Willmarradio.com
May 6, 2026
(Blomkest MN-) Turkey producers are knocking on wood and crossing their fingers so far this spring. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or bird flu, has not hardly reared it's head so far this spring.
Since last January, there has been only one reported case, a flock in Big Stone County April 16th. Spring migration by wild birds often brings with it bird flu, but Minnesota Turkey Growers Association President Jake Vlaminck who owns Fahlun Farms near Blomkest says with all the wind we've had recently, he's afraid it could be carried on the blowing soil.
Full text/audio: https://www.willmarradio.com/news/only-one-case-of-bird-flu-in-the-state-so-far-this-spring/article_9a810b55-5634-43c9-bcbc-2a3d3305e7ed.html
6. Surge in HPAI infections attributed to wild-bird spillover
Poultry losses alone surpass 200 million since outbreak started in 2022
By R. Scott Nolen
AVMA News
May 6, 2026
The U.S. outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI, more specifically avian influenza type A H5N1), is experiencing a resurgence among commercial poultry operations, driven largely by spillover from migrating wild birds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The threat of infection to poultry operations remained constant throughout the winter and into spring. On the final day of March, the U.S. marked a grim milestone: the depopulation of the 1,000th commercial flock since the outbreaks began in early 2022, according to USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Around 1,190 backyard flocks had also been affected during that time.
Cumulative losses exceed 206 million birds in 50 states and Puerto Rico, with table egg-laying hen flocks being the most impacted by the ongoing outbreak. They account for around three-quarters of total domestic poultry loss, but comprise less than 4% of the total domestic poultry population, according to a Congressional Research Service report published last year.
Full text: https://www.avma.org/news/surge-hpai-infections-attributed-wild-bird-spillover