1. Producers should be watchful for anthrax as hot, dry conditions persist
While there are no active cases listed at this time, prolonged hot and dry conditions will increase risk.
North Dakota State University
Beef Magazine
August 3, 2026
Anthrax is a concern for cattle producers in North Dakota, as weather conditions in some areas are once again favorable for the development of this disease.
Anthrax is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. This bacteria is often found in soil and is able to form spores that are highly resistant to heat, cold and disinfection. These spores can survive in the soil for years under favorable conditions.
"When these spores come in contact with susceptible cattle, they can 'hatch' and cause infection, leading to disease and death," says Dr. Jake Galbreath, North Dakota State University Extension veterinarian.
The threat of anthrax is increased when areas receive high amounts of rainfall and prolonged dry conditions. Dry conditions cause the bacteria to form spores. High rainfall can disturb soil, releasing spores which can stick to plant material. Persistently dry conditions in many areas of the state mean cattle may be grazing closer to the ground or around water sources with lowered water levels, potentially exposing spores.
2. Oregon Horse Tests Positive for Equine Influenza; Two Georgia Horses Test Positive for WNV;
Strangles Case Confirmed in Clackamas County, Oregon
Oregon Horse Tests Positive for Equine Influenza
EDCC Health Watch
Equus Magazine
August 3, 2026
According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, one horse in Crook County has tested positive for equine influenza. The horse is under official quarantine.
Full text: https://equusmagazine.com/news/edcc-health-watch/oregon-horse-tests-positive-for-equine-influenza-3
Two Georgia Horses Test Positive for WNV
EDCC Health Watch
TheHorse.com
August 3, 2026
According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, two horses in Ware County have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).
Full text: https://thehorse.com/1146345/2-georgia-horses-test-positive-for-wnv/
Strangles Case Confirmed in Clackamas County, Oregon
EDCC Health Watch
TheHorse.com
August 3, 2026
According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, one horse in Clackamas County has tested positive for strangles. The horse is under official quarantine.
Full text: https://thehorse.com/1146349/strangles-case-confirmed-in-clackamas-county-oregon/
3. Scientists are studying scents to develop better New World Screwworm traps
By Jordan Elder
The National Desk
Updated July 31, 2026
KERRVILLE, Texas - Inside a federal research lab in Kerrville, a container of aging beef liver is helping scientists search for a better way to detect and fight New World screwworm.
"This is aged about three days right now. We'll age it up to seven days, and then, as you can imagine, it will get rather ripe," said Paul Hickner, an ecologist with the Agricultural Research Service at the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory.
That powerful odor may hold the key to developing a more effective lure for the parasite.
New World screwworm flies are attracted to open wounds, including the fresh navels of newborn calves. The flies lay eggs in those wounds, and the larvae that hatch feed on living tissue.
Researchers at the lab are now trying to identify the individual chemicals that make those odors so attractive to the flies.
"Probably well over 100 chemicals make up that smell, so we're trying to identify every one of those," Hickner said.
4. WVDNR launches online wildlife disease reporting tool [W. VA]
WVNews.com
August 3, 2026
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has launched a new online tool that allows the public to report sick, diseased or dead wildlife to help biologists monitor wildlife health across the state.
The agency announced the Wildlife Disease and Mortality Reporting tool uses ArcGIS Survey123 to collect reports from the public about wildlife health concerns.
"This application will allow the public to report potentially sick or diseased wildlife, providing important information for wildlife resources specialists and biologists," said Paul Johansen, chief of the Wildlife Resources Section. "Although sick or diseased wildlife are rather uncommon overall, disease does sometimes occur among populations of wild animals. This application offers another way for members of the public to report their observations."
5. What is rabbit fever? Cases of rare tick-borne illness reported on Long Island
Three people in Suffolk County were confirmed to have come down with tularemia, also known as rabbit fever.
By Jen Maxfield
NBCNewYork.om
July 31, 2026
Health officials are warning residents about a rare tick-borne illness after three cases were reported on Long Island.
Three people in Suffolk County were confirmed to have come down with tularemia, also known as rabbit fever. The disease can cause high fevers and extreme fatigue, and doctors say symptoms can be more severe than more common tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease.
John Detmer was diagnosed earlier in 2026 after a tick bite on his head led to severe symptoms that lasted for weeks, according to his family.
"It's like painful, like my neck was hurting me. Sometimes my legs would," the 9-year-old said. "It hurt it really bad when I touched it."
John's mother, Tracey Detmer, said the family initially did not connect the wound on his scalp to the illness, and she said the condition is rarely seen. She said the doctor she brought her son to - an infectious disease doctor - told her he had only ever seen tularemia once before in his career.