1. Two Texas Horses Test Positive for EIA; Michigan Gelding Tests Positive for Strangles
Two Texas Horses Test Positive for EIA
EDCC Health Watch
TheHorse.com
February 24, 2026
Two horses in Texas have tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). In Austin County, one horse tested positive and was euthanized; the facility was quarantined on Jan. 27. In Wichita County, one horse tested positive and was quarantined on Jan. 29.
Full text: https://thehorse.com/1142471/2-texas-horses-test-positive-for-eia-3/
Michigan Gelding Tests Positive for Strangles
EDCC Health Watch
TheHorse.com
February 24, 2026
On Feb. 23, a 5-year-old Thoroughbred gelding in Oakland County, Michigan, tested positive for strangles. The horse developed clinical signs on Feb. 18, including fever, facial swelling, and a draining tract. Three horses have been exposed.
Full text: https://thehorse.com/1142475/michigan-gelding-tests-positive-for-strangles-5/
2. Avian influenza found in southwestern Indiana county for the first time since 2024
By Erin Anderson
Brownfield Ag News
February 24, 2026
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been confirmed in Daviess County, Indiana for the first time since 2024.
The Indiana State Board of Animal Health says the virus was detected in a commercial turkey operation and more than 30,000 birds will be depopulated. An approximately 6.2-mile control area with a more than 12-mile surveillance zone in portions of Daviess and Martin counties has been established.
3. Sampling work shows CWD detections increase across Montana [edited]
By Hailey Smalley, Daily Inter Lake
TheWesternNews.com
February 24, 2026
State wildlife officials detected upwards of 400 cases of chronic wasting disease during the 2025-26 hunting season, as the fatal illness continues to impact deer and elk populations across the state.
The 100% fatal neurological disorder affects ungulates, including mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk and moose, and spreads through both direct and indirect contact with bodily fluids.
Detection of the disease in Montana's wild deer populations in 2017 spurred state wildlife officials to create a statewide sampling program, in which hunters voluntarily submit their harvest for testing.
Just over 5% of the samples submitted for testing between July 2025 and January 2026 tested positive for chronic wasting disease - a notable increase from 3.75% of samples during the 2024-25 season.
4. NDSU Extension To Host 2026 Horse Management Webinar Series
RoundUpWeb.com
February 25, 2026
North Dakota State University Extension will host its 2026 Horse Management Webinar Series, offering horse owners, stable managers and equine enthusiasts the opportunity to learn practical management strategies from veterinary and equine health professionals. The free online webinars will be held at noon CT on March 11 and March 18.
"Our goal with this webinar series is to give horse owners practical, research-based information they can use right away," says Mary Keena, NDSU Extension livestock environmental management specialist. "Whether it's recognizing early signs of an eye issue or understanding what to expect with neurologic concerns, these sessions are designed to help owners feel more confident in caring for their horses."
During each session, presenters will share research-based information to help participants improve everyday care and decision-making for their horses.
5. African swine fever: Why vigilance today protects pigs tomorrow
Four tips to help prevent the spread of this foreign animal disease.
By Alan Huddleston, Acting U.S. Chief Veterinary Officer
National Hog Farmer
February 24, 2026
The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service remains committed to preventing African swine fever from reaching the United States.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease, which is harmless to humans but up to 100% fatal to pigs. The disease has already caused significant losses in swine populations across Asia, Europe, and elsewhere.
With ASF Action Week (March 1-7) on the horizon, APHIS continues to focus on keeping animals healthy and prioritize efforts to prevent this deadly disease from reaching the U.S. swine herd. ASF poses a multifaceted threat to the United States, with potentially far-reaching impacts for farmers, producers, the pork industry and the broader U.S. economy. As we also recognize National Pig Day on March 1, a moment that highlights the importance of pigs to agriculture, science and society, it serves as a timely reminder of why strong vigilance and continued awareness around ASF are so essential.
6. MSU announces new graduate programs in One Health [MS]
DarkHorsePress
February 25, 2026
STARKVILLE - Mississippi State, a longtime leader in One Health principles, now is offering two new graduate programs focusing on this public health approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of animal, human and environmental wellbeing.
Beginning this fall, MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine is offering One Health graduate programming, a Master of Science with two distinct tracts and a certificate for professionals looking to expand their knowledge and skillsets. The options are in collaboration with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Forest Resources.
One Health is an interdisciplinary and scientifically holistic field promoting collaboration across medicine, veterinary science, environmental science and related disciplines to better detect, prevent and respond to health threats on a local and global scale.
"One Health is a viewpoint. It's a lens that we are trying to help our students see through so they can be better leaders for the future," said CVM One Health Director and Associate Professor Dr. Nicole Ashpole.
Full text: https://darkhorsepressnow.com/news/2026-02-25/msu-announces-new-graduate-programs-in-one-health/