1. FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Drug to Prevent New World Screwworm in Multiple Species, Including Sheep, Cattle, Goats, and Swine
FDA
August 7, 2026
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for CLiK Extra (dicyclanil topical suspension) wound spray for application on or around wounds for the prevention of New World screwworm (NWS) infestations (myiasis) in sheep, cattle, goats, swine, camelids (e.g., camels, llamas, alpacas), and the following captive and captured wildlife species: cervids (e.g., deer, elk), American bison, bighorn sheep, and Sonoran pronghorn.
"Under President Trump's leadership, we are giving American farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, and wildlife managers the tools they need to fight back," said Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas, J.D. "Today's emergency use authorization provides a new tool for preventing the spread of New World screwworm infestations, and we will continue to work to combat this threatening pest."
Based on the totality of the scientific evidence available, the FDA has concluded it is reasonable to believe that CLiK Extra wound spray may be effective in the prevention of NWS myiasis when used as authorized, and the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh its known and potential risks.
"The FDA recognizes that the impact of New World screwworm extends beyond the farm gate," said Timothy Schell, Ph.D., director of the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine. "Authorizing this product for captive and captured wildlife species, including bighorn sheep, Sonoran pronghorn, American bison, and cervids like deer and elk, is about protecting these animals and helping ensure they do not contribute to the spread of NWS in the United States."
Full text: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFDA/bulletins/423fbb3
2. New World screwworm movement guidance resource now available
The platform helps animal owners navigate requirements for transporting livestock, equine, poultry and other species from affected areas in the state.
Industry Release
Beef Magazine
August 7, 2026
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), in collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, is providing animal owners and producers, veterinarians, New World Screwworm (NWS) Certified Inspectors, and other stakeholders with a quick-reference resource outlining current animal movement requirements related to NWS. This platform contains content to facilitate TAHC-compliant movement of animals.
Access the platform through the TAHC NWS landing page or directly through this link: https://agalert.tamu.edu/nwsguide.
All livestock, equine, poultry, exotics of these species, and groups of rescue animals leaving a NWS-infested zone in Texas must meet current requirements prior to movement. These requirements vary by species, intended use of animal, type of movement, premises of origin, and destination. The NWS Movement Guidance resource is designed to simplify identifying the correct movement requirements for various situations.
3. The 'Eyes' Have It: USDA Researchers Say A.I. Could Transform Cattle Health Monitoring Systems
Contactless monitoring could help producers detect cattle health problems earlier while reducing labor and treatment delays, according to new research by the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
By Tony St.James
RFDTV.com
August 6, 2026
LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) - Artificial intelligence could help cattle producers identify disease and heat stress before problems become obvious. USDA Agricultural Research Service researchers tested a muzzle-image system that predicted pinkeye with high accuracy, showing how contactless monitoring may improve herd health and reduce treatment delays.
The study followed 870 cattle at four locations, including 170 animals that developed pinkeye. The system flagged 169 cases before veterinarians identified them, with reported sensitivity of 99.4 percent and specificity of 97.6 percent.
Earlier detection could help producers isolate affected cattle, begin treatment sooner, reduce transmission, and limit eye damage, weight loss, and labor costs. Muzzle recognition could also connect health records to individual animals without manually scanning tags.
4. USU's New College of Veterinary Medicine Comes to Life [UT]
Utah State Today
August 6, 2026
As summer wraps up, so does the construction at the newly completed Thomas and Patricia Willis Veterinary Medical Education Building - USU's cornerstone hub for its College of Veterinary Medicine.
The state-of-the-art facility will provide modern classrooms, laboratories and clinical training spaces designed to support hands-on learning, research and collaboration.
The building plays a critical role in addressing the growing demand for veterinarians - particularly in rural communities, where access to large-animal care remains a significant challenge. Utah's agricultural industry contributes an estimated $1.82 billion to the state's economy, underscoring the importance of expanding veterinary training within the state.
With the addition of this facility and the continued growth of its four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, Utah State has expanded enrollment to 80 students per graduating class, helping build a sustainable veterinary workforce for Utah and beyond.
Source: https://www.usu.edu/today/story/usus-new-college-of-veterinary-medicine-comes-to-life
5. FDA Finalizes Guidance on Evaluating Safety of Antimicrobial Animal Drugs Based on Their Importance in Human Medicine
FDA/CVM Update
August 5, 2026
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued the final version of Guidance for Industry (GFI) #152,?Evaluating the Safety of Antimicrobial New Animal Drugs with Regard to their Microbiological Effects on Bacteria of Human Health Concern.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria evolve to survive exposure to drugs designed to kill them, making infections harder to treat. Because some of the same classes of antimicrobials used in animals are also important to treating human infections, the FDA evaluates the potential AMR risk to people when reviewing new animal drug applications for antimicrobial drugs.
GFI #152 outlines a qualitative risk assessment framework for the FDA to evaluate whether and to what degree a given antimicrobial drug used in food-producing animals could pose a risk to human health through the food supply. It also includes Appendix A, which ranks antimicrobial drugs by their relative importance to human medicine, placing each into one of three categories:?critically important,?highly important, or?important. These rankings help inform the risk assessment but are not intended to serve as a standalone risk management tool.
6. Vaccinated California Horse Tests Positive for WNV; Wisconsin Horse Tests Positive for Strangles
Vaccinated California Horse Tests Positive for WNV
EDCC Health Watch
Equus Magazine
August 7, 2026
On August 6, a 6-year-old warmblood gelding in Merced County, California, tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The horse is vaccinated and developed clinical signs on July 30, including ataxia in all four limbs, hypersensitivity, and muscle fasciculations. He is currently recovering.
Wisconsin Horse Tests Positive for Strangles
EDCC Health Watch
Equus Magazine
August 7, 2026
According to the attending veterinarian, one horse in Dane County, Wisconsin, has tested positive for strangles. The horse is under quarantine.
Full text: https://equusmagazine.com/news/edcc-health-watch/wisconsin-horse-tests-positive-for-strangles-4