New Vesicular Stomatitis Cases Confirmed in New Mexico and Colorado
The USDA APHIS has identified seven new equine premises affected by the VSV outbreak.
EDCC Health Watch
Equus Magazine
July 6, 2026
According to the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), seven new equine premises affected by vesicular stomatitis (VSV) have been identified in New Mexico and Colorado.
New Mexico (6 premises)
Santa Fe County: One presumed positive equine premises.
Valencia County: One confirmed positive equine premises and three presumed positive equine premises.
Rio Arriba County: One confirmed positive equine premises.
Colorado (1 premise)
Montrose County: One confirmed positive equine premises.
Since October 2025, VSV has been identified at 15 equine premises in Arizona, two equine premises in Colorado, and 13 equine premises in New Mexico. All confirmed cases have been vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus (VSNJV) serotype.
The last outbreak of VSV in the U.S. occurred from May 2023 through January 2024, affecting 319 premises across California, Nevada, and Texas. VSV circulates annually between livestock and insect vectors in southern Mexico and only occasionally results in incursion to the U.S.
EIA Cases Confirmed in Nevada, California, Texas, and Washington
Ten horses have tested positive for the disease.
EDCC Health Watch
Equus Magazine
July 6, 2026
Ten equine infectious anemia (EIA) cases have been identified across four states:
Nevada
Nye County: One horse tested positive. The facility is under quarantine.
California
Santa Clara County: Six horses tested positive and were euthanized. Fifty exposed horses on the premises are under quarantine.
Texas
Ellis County: One horse tested positive and was euthanized. The facility is under quarantine.
Shelby County: One horse tested positive and is under quarantine.
Washington
Yakima County: One horse tested positive. The facility is under quarantine.
Florida Horse Tests Positive for EEE
EDCC Health Watch
Equus Magazine
July 6, 2026
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, one horse in Seminole County was euthanized after contracting Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).
The horse lived in Seminole County and was euthanized.
Full text: https://equusmagazine.com/news/edcc-health-watch/florida-horse-tests-positive-for-eee-5
2. Governor names Dr. Andrew Fidler to lead Animal Health Division [AR]
Magnolia Reporter
July 3, 2026
Dr. Andrew Fidler has been named to serve as animal health director and state veterinarian within the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.
Dr. Fidler has served as the State Veterinarian since October 2025
"Today's announcement by Governor Sanders reflects our efforts to professionalize animal health services, reduce bureaucracy, and place veterinary expertise at the center of animal health decision-making," said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. "Dr. Fidler's expertise will help us better serve producers, streamline processes, improve coordination, and protect Arkansas' animal agriculture sector which accounts for nearly 58 percent of all agricultural cash receipts in the state."
"The strength of Arkansas agriculture depends on the health and resilience of our livestock and poultry sectors," said Dr. Fidler. "I look forward to leading our top-notch staff in supporting resilient animal health systems and the animal industries that promote food security, economic prosperity, and public health for Arkansans and our partners."
3. Preparation is critical to safely evacuating horses and other livestock during a wildfire [edited]
By Shanna Lewis
Colorado Public Radio
July 2, 2026,
Evacuating horses and other large animals during a wildfire needs to happen fast.
Chris Rourke knows how crucial it is to get a beloved horse to safety. She boards her daughter's retired show horse, CD Shane Charm, near Cimmaron which is about halfway between Gunnison and Montrose. The ranch owner there started evacuating animals last night as the Gold Mountain fire burning on the Western Slope grew rapidly.
"This horse, she's family, and you worry," Rourke said. "I'm just trusting that everything's going to work out … but I'm just sort of holding my breath."
Colorado State University Veterinary Health System has these tips to help prepare for evacuating horses and large animals.
[See: https://csuveterinaryhealth.org/how-to-prepare-your-horse-in-case-of-wildfire/ ]
Put together your animal's go kit in advance. Here's a list of key essentials for each animal:
Halter and lead rope
Feed/water buckets
Five- to seven-day supply of feed and supplements
At least two weeks' worth of any daily medications
A basic equine or large animal first aid kit
Also gather these documents if you have them, especially if you are going to be at a community evacuation site:
Proof of ownership and or brand inspection
Medical history including vaccination records and Coggins (EIA) tests results
Microchip number and registration if your horse has a microchip
It is vital to practice loading your animals into various trailers with different handlers. This way your horse or other animals can respond appropriately during an urgent emergency situation.
Full text: https://www.cpr.org/2026/07/02/wildfire-horse-evacuation-livestock-tips-colorado/
4. Promising solutions for widespread poultry disease
Researchers are developing a novel enzyme approach to controlling necrotic enteritis.
Agricultural Research Service
Feedstuffs.com
July 1, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service scientists in Peoria, Ill., and Beltsville, Md., are helping poultry farmers tackle a devastating disease.
In collaboration with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, researchers are developing a novel approach to controlling a widespread disease in poultry: necrotic enteritis. This disease is often a fatal gastrointestinal condition in poultry, costing about $6 billion in industry losses worldwide.
Researchers discovered a naturally occurring enzyme, or protein, which can target and eliminate about 99.99% of the harmful bacteria in poultry gut contents that cause necrotic enteritis.
Full text: https://www.feedstuffs.com/poultry/promising-solutions-for-widespread-poultry-disease
5. New report highlights Ohio's shortage of veterinarians
By Madison MacArthur
Spectrum News
July 6, 2026
OHIO - A new report released Monday by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and Farm Journal Foundation addressed the growing shortage of rural and food-system veterinarians within the Buckeye State.
According to the report, nearly one-third of the state's 88 counties are USDA-designated rural veterinary shortage areas.
The goal of the report was to identify new potential pathways to strengthen the workforce. Titled "Ohio Rural & Food Systems Veterinary Shortage Solutions," the report analyzes veterinarian demographics, workforce trends, educational pathways and youth engagement programs to get a better idea of what is contributing to the shortage.
"Rural veterinarians are essential partners in protecting animal health, responding to disease threats, and helping ensure a safe and secure food supply," said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. "This report confirms what many producers and veterinary professionals are already experiencing: demand is growing while a significant portion of our veterinary workforce is nearing retirement. Understanding the factors driving this shortage is the first step toward developing meaningful, long-term solutions for Ohio agriculture."