1. US tests GMO flies in rush to fight flesh-eating livestock pest
By Tom Polansek and Heather Schlitz
Reuters.com
July 23, 2026
KERRVILLE, Texas (Reuters) - At a U.S.-funded facility in Panama, scientists are preparing to launch the first outdoor tests of genetically modified screwworm flies, a milestone in efforts to develop a more effective weapon against the flesh-eating parasite that has spread through Central America and into the United States.
Researchers said they will keep the flies confined in mesh cages, exposed to Panama's heat and humidity, to measure how long they survive outside laboratory conditions before moving to later stages of field testing.
The Trump administration has touted the development of the genetically modified fly, called NovoFly, as a game-changer in the fight against New World screwworm. Widespread infestations could cause estimated losses of more than $1 billion to Texas' livestock industry and spread to other U.S. states.
2. FFAR Research to Strengthen U.S. New World Screwworm Preparedness
Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research Press Release
July 23, 2026
MANHATTAN, Kan. (July 23, 2026) - As New World screwworm continues spreading, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), Kansas State University (K-State), North American Deer Farmers Association, American Sheep Industry Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association and the Kansas Department of Agriculture are investing $269,560 in a Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) grant to identify the livestock, wildlife and management practices most vulnerable to infestation. The project will provide producers and animal health officials with evidence-based tools to prioritize surveillance, producer preparedness and improve response efforts in the U.S.
The reemergence of New World screwworm in the U.S. presents an urgent threat to U.S. livestock and wildlife. The parasitic fly larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, causing severe pain, secondary infections and, if untreated, death. To protect U.S. producers' profitability and the food supply chain, identifying the highest-risk species and production systems is critical to directing resources where they can have the greatest impact.
"New World screwworm reemergence in the U.S. makes producer preparedness more important than ever," said Dr. Jasmine Bruno, FFAR scientific program director. "By identifying where this parasite poses the greatest risk, this research will help producers, animal health officials and veterinarians make faster, more informed decisions to strengthen surveillance, target prevention efforts and reduce impacts."
Full text: https://foundationfar.org/news/ffar-research-to-strengthen-u-s-new-world-screwworm-preparedness/
3. Missouri Swine Health Symposium Set for July 29 in Columbia
Program will focus on protecting herd health and preparing producers for current and emerging disease challenges
MorningAgClips.com
July 21, 2026
COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Missouri Pork Association is inviting pork producers, veterinarians and allied industry professionals to the annual Missouri Swine Health Symposium on Wednesday, July 29, at the University of Missouri Bradford Research Farm in Columbia.
The one-day educational program will focus on protecting herd health and preparing producers for current and emerging disease challenges facing the U.S. pork industry. Sessions will feature updates on foreign animal disease monitoring, emerging swine diseases, the National Swine Health Strategy, the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan, veterinary diagnostic laboratory advancements, pig virus management, and the agricultural and pork industry outlook.
"The health of Missouri's swine herd depends on producers having access to the latest research, science-based management practices and timely industry information," said Scott Hays, executive director of the Missouri Pork Association. "The Swine Health Symposium provides an excellent opportunity for producers and veterinarians to learn from leading experts and take home practical information they can apply to their operations."
Full text: https://www.morningagclips.com/missouri-swine-health-symposium-set-for-july-29-in-columbia/
4. H5N1 Bird Flu Has Now Hit Over 1,166 U.S. Dairy Herds Across 19 States, With Idaho Leading the Nation [edited]
By Elena Vega
MedicalDaily.com
July 23, 2026
More than two years after H5N1 bird flu was first confirmed in a U.S. dairy herd, the outbreak is still growing. As of July 22, 2026, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed over 1,166 infected dairy herds across 19 states, with Idaho now leading the national count at 173 affected herds.
USDA APHIS reported on July 22 that Idaho confirmed nine new dairy herd infections during the 30 days ending July 22, with the last reported detection in the state occurring July 13. Utah added 13 new cases over the same period, 12 of them on dairies, with the last Utah detection occurring July 17. Texas added two new cases in the same window.
Since the outbreak began in March 2024, Idaho has recorded a cumulative total of 173 infected livestock premises, all but one involving dairy milking cow operations. This is the highest active-state total in the current phase of the outbreak, according to Capital Press.
Full text: https://www.medicaldaily.com/h5n1-bird-flu-dairy-herds-1166-usda-2026-idaho-476271
5. New report is helping Indiana combat the nationwide rural veterinary shortage
By Erin Anderson
BrownfieldAgNews.com
July 22, 2026
A new report from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, and the Farm Journal Foundation is helping the industry identify the factors contributing to a nationwide shortage of rural veterinarians.
Dr. Bret Marsh, dean of Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine, says limited access to resources has made it more difficult for the industry to retain veterinarians.
"Farms have become fewer and larger," he says. "The need for veterinary services has changed. We also had consolidation in the ag sector. For those that have smaller holdings of animals in rural areas, it's often more difficult for them to be seen."
He tells Brownfield Indiana ag leaders are looking to adopt a state-based loan repayment program to help attract new graduates to rural areas.
6. USDA Announces $35 Million to Combat Feral Swine on American Agricultural Lands [edited]
USDA Press Release
July 23, 2026
Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making available $35 million for partnerships to respond to the threat feral swine pose to American agriculture, landscapes and human and livestock health. This partnership opportunity is part of a broader $105 million investment for the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program, where USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) are working together to target feral swine.
"We are collaborating with our partners at USDA and across the country to help combat feral swine and keep our farms, ranches and landscapes safe," said NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley. "These invasive species cause more than $3.4 billion in damage each year, including damage to agricultural landscapes. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, NRCS is able to expand this effort, giving producers and partners more resources to protect working lands and strengthen the long-term resilience of agricultural operations."
Partners are invited to apply for feral swine eradication and control projects in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.