1. Avian flu detected in Colorado dairy facility for first time in more than 2 years
By Max White
KKCO11 News
October 30, 2026
WELD COUNTY, Colo. - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a dairy in Weld County, the first detection in more than two years.
According to the Colorado Department of Agriculture, risk to the general public remains low and pasteurized milk continues to be safe.
Since 2024, when Colorado became the epicenter of a bird flu outbreak in the United States, state agriculture officials mandated weekly testing of milk samples for bird flu at all commercial dairy farms in the state. The move was the first of its kind in the United States.
"This detection underscores the importance of our routine bulk milk tank testing to keep our herds healthy and our food supply secure," Colorado State Veterinarian Dr. Maggie Baldwin. "Colorado has taken a proactive approach to monitoring and responding to avian influenza, ensuring that early detection leads to swift mitigation measures to protect consumers and our food supply."
The Colorado State Veterinarian's Office was notified by the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory that a sample tested presumptive positive for HPAI, and the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) issued the official confirmation of the detection of HPAI (B3.13 strain) in a dairy in Weld County on Oct. 24, according to the state agriculture department.
2. A-State receives $2.6 million grant to research, improve animal health [AR]
KAIT8.com
October 30, 2026
JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT/Edited News Release) - Researchers at Arkansas State University aim to advance agricultural research and improve animal health in the Mississippi River Delta region thanks to a $2.6 million project, with $1.3 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
A-State is one of 36 universities nationwide to receive funding through the research facilities program. Given the significant agricultural footprint in northeast Arkansas, the funding will provide diagnostic and analytical capabilities on one campus, expanding research capacity and helping researchers conduct their work more efficiently.
The project began in September and is expected to be completed by 2030. The goals include constructing a space on the university farm to enhance research capabilities for the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and support the animal science curriculum in the College of Agriculture (CoA).
Full text: https://www.kait8.com/2026/10/30/a-state-receives-26-million-grant-research-improve-animal-health/
3. University of Minnesota programs expand to recruit future veterinarians
By Dave Bergmeier
High Plains Journal
October 30, 2026
A common theme among the High Plains states is the need to develop, recruit and retain veterinarians - particularly food animal doctors.
Dr. Laura Molgaard understands the challenge, and the dean of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine has committed resources to programs that can help add students to the rural pipeline.
Minnesota's food animal industry is diverse, she said. Minnesota is ranked No. 1 in the nation in turkey production and No. 2 in pork production. It also is a significant producer of dairy and beef cattle, and other livestock species. The equine industry is also very important to the state and pets need veterinary care in rural areas, too.
A multifaceted approach is needed to address rural needs, Molgaard said, which means recruiting, admitting, educating and advocating. She supports the state's rural loan forgiveness program, which offers additional incentives for students to locate in a smaller community.
Full text: https://hpj.com/2026/10/30/university-of-minnesota-programs-expand-to-recruit-future-veterinarians/
4. Oregon Pigeon Fever Outbreak Update
Numerous suspected cases have been identified this week.
EDCC Health Watch
Equus Magazine
October 30, 2026
Numerous suspected pigeon fever cases have been identified in Oregon this week.
In Jackson County, there are 21 new suspected cases.
In Deschutes County, there is one new confirmed and seven new suspected cases.
In Crook County, there is one new suspected case.
In Grant County, there are four new suspected cases.
Full text: https://equusmagazine.com/news/edcc-health-watch/oregon-pigeon-fever-outbreak-update
5. WSU to Lead a New International Livestock Initiative With Funding of Up to $40M [WA]
Initiative will help expand U.S. markets and aid food security in Africa
MorningAgClips.com
October 30, 2026
PULLMAN, Wash. - Washington State University has secured a federal grant to lead a new Feed the Future Animal Health Innovation Lab (AHIL), an international effort that will expand markets for U.S. livestock technologies while improving animal health and food security in Africa.
The multi-year award is funded through the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Disaster and Humanitarian Response. It provides an initial $9.6 million in funding with the option to increase total funding up to $40 million over five years to support livestock research and efforts in Kenya, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Senegal and Zambia. Dr Thumbi Mwangi will lead AHIL as director, with Dr Felix Lankester serving as co-director. Both are professors in the Paul G. Allen School for Global Health at WSU's College of Veterinary Medicine.
"These countries have tremendous potential for growth in their livestock sectors," Lankester said. "This project will help improve livestock productivity and health, which can strengthen local economies and food systems while creating opportunities for U.S. technologies and agricultural innovation."
6. USDA Awards $300,000 to Expand Veterinary Student Training in Regulatory Medicine
The NASDA Foundation will provide nine veterinary students with paid summer internships in state animal health offices, offering hands-on experience in disease surveillance, emergency response and regulatory programs.
By Andrea Bedford
Bovine Veterinarian
October 30, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded nearly $300,000 to support a program introducing veterinary students to careers in state and regulatory veterinary medicine. The three-year initiative, led by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Foundation, will provide nine veterinary students with paid summer internships in state animal health offices.
The $299,979 award comes through USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture Veterinary Services Grant Program. The project, Strengthening the Regulatory Veterinary Workforce, will run from September 2026 through September 2029, with three students participating each year.
Through 10- to 12-week, full-time internships, students will work alongside state veterinary professionals and gain exposure to the responsibilities involved in protecting animal health and supporting agricultural industries.