1. USDA expands sterile fly dispersal area to combat NWS [edited]
Texas Farm Bureau
May 11, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the New World screwworm (NWS) sterile fly dispersal barrier further into Texas as federal and state officials work to prevent the pest's continued movement north.
The updated sterile fly dispersal area, also referred to as a polygon, is a precautionary effort to expand the biological border across more of South Texas along the international border with Mexico.
Recent detections in Mexico prompted increased surveillance and response efforts from USDA and state animal health officials.
Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) has continued working with state and federal officials on response and preparedness efforts.
"Keeping New World screwworm out of the United States requires a coordinated and proactive approach," Tracy Tomascik, TFB associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said. "The expansion of the dispersal area is another important step in slowing the movement of the pest and protecting livestock producers, wildlife and animal health."
Tomascik noted the sterile fly program has a long history of success and remains one of the most effective tools available to combat screwworm.
Full text: https://texasfarmbureau.org/usda-expands-sterile-fly-dispersal-area-to-combat-nws/
2. Tick species new to Alabama poses health risk for pets and livestock [edited]
By William Thornton
AL.com
May. 11, 2026
Officials with Alabama Extension at Auburn University are letting pet and livestock owners know to be on the lookout for a tick species newly spotted in Alabama that could raise health concerns.
The Asian longhorned tick was found in Alabama for the first time last month on a dog in DeKalb County.
Dr. Soren Rodning, an Alabama Extension veterinarian at Auburn University, recommends routine inspection of pets and livestock.
In large infestations, symptoms and health issues in livestock can include anemia, weakness, weight loss, jaundice and death.
3. Nebraska U to host International Symposium on Beef Cattle Welfare June 1-3 [edited]
By Geitner Simmons - IANR Communications
Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln
May 7, 2026
University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty are at the forefront of animal welfare research and will host a June 1-3 international symposium highlighting the latest research and practical applications for beef cattle.
"There is a clear and growing need for collaboration across disciplines and sectors, and this symposium aims to address that need in a very intentional way," said Ruth Woiwode, who has pioneered the university's animal welfare studies as an assistant professor of animal science.
Woiwode, who is also an animal behavior and well-being specialist with Nebraska Extension, is co-chairing the symposium along with Brian Vander Ley, a veterinary epidemiologist and extension specialist with the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and director of the Great Plains Veterinary Education Center.
Registration* is underway, and the full program** is online, with presentations scheduled from a range of experts from academia and industry.
*Registration: https://www.beefcattlewelfare.org/2026registration
**Full program: https://www.beefcattlewelfare.org/2026program
4. SHIC maximizes pork producer dollars in new report
More than 115 swine health research projects were completed or are currently underway from 2021-2026.
By Swine Health Information Center
National Hog Farmer
May 7, 2026
The Swine Health Information Center has released its second Program Review: Return on Producers' Investment covering April 2021-March 2026, detailing its second five years of impact in protecting and enhancing the health of the U.S. swine herd.
The report outlines SHIC's continued commitment to minimizing the impact of emerging disease threats through preparedness, coordinated communications, global disease monitoring, analysis of swine health data and targeted research investments.
Since its launch in 2015 with Pork Checkoff funding, SHIC has focused on delivering practical, science-based solutions for pork producers. The newly released program review demonstrates how that investment has translated into measurable outcomes for the industry.
5. Spring Wellness Checklist for Horses
By Olivia Watson, Penn State Extension
Lancaster Farming
May 8, 2026
Spring is in the air! It's warmed up outside, and we are starting to spend more time in the barn. It is also a great time of the year to schedule your horse's annual exam. This annual exam often includes routine care such as vaccinations, Coggins tests, fecal egg counting and a dental exam.
Vaccinations
Springtime brings warm weather, but it also increases the presence of insects like flies and mosquitoes, which can transmit disease. The American Association of Equine Practitioners has established recommendations for core vaccines and risk-based vaccines.
The core vaccines protect against eastern and western equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, tetanus and rabies. Encephalitis and West Nile virus are transmitted by mosquitoes, and it is advisable to administer a second dose of the vaccine in endemic areas during the fall.
Tetanus is caused by a bacteria that lives in the ground and can infect horses through cuts or punctures. Rabies is spread through infected wildlife and can be transmitted to humans. These vaccines are recommended for all horses because they cause severe disease, have high mortality rates, and the vectors of the disease are consistently present in the environment.
Additionally, there are also 10 risk-based vaccines: equine herpesvirus (rhinopneumonitis), equine influenza, strangles, Potomac horse fever, botulism, leptospirosis, equine viral arteritis, rotavirus, anthrax and snake bite. These vaccines should be given based on your horse's individual needs. Discuss with your veterinarian which vaccines are the most appropriate for your horse.
6. Communicable Diseases in Horses [Fed. Register]
Federal Register Volume 91, Number 90 (Monday, May 11, 2026)]
Notices
Pages 25523-25524
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
FR Doc No: 2026-09306
May 11, 2026
Title: Communicable Diseases in Horses.
OMB Control Number: 0579-0127.
Summary of Collection: Under the authority of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.), the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulate the importation and interstate movement of animals and animal
products and conducts various other activities to protect the health of U.S. livestock and poultry. Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is an
infectious and potentially fatal viral disease of equines. There is no vaccine or treatment for the disease. It is often difficult to
differentiate from other fever-producing diseases, including anthrax, influenza, and equine encephalitis. The regulations in 9 CFR 75.4
govern the interstate movement of equines that have tested positive to an official test for EIA (EIA reactors) and provide for the approval of
laboratories, diagnostic facilities, and research facilities. Ensuring the safe movement of these horses requires the use of information
collection activities, including an EIA laboratory test form, a certificate or permit for the interstate movement of an EIA reactor, a
supplemental investigation form if a horse tests positive for EIA, agreements, hearing request, and written notification of withdrawal of
approval.
Full text: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-05-11/html/2026-09306.htm