1. Phytogenic extracts show promise for mycotoxin mitigation in poultry
Curcumin and milk thistle extracts reduce oxidative stress, enhance vaccine response and support intestinal integrity in mycotoxin-challenged birds.
By Roy Graber
WATTAgNet.com
February 4, 2026
Phytogenic extracts including curcumin and milk thistle offer poultry producers a multi-faceted strategy for reducing mycotoxin-induced immune damage, according to research presented at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE).
Insaf Riahi, technical director for Bionte Animal Nutrition, outlined how these plant-based compounds combat mycotoxins' effects on poultry immune systems through multiple mechanisms including oxidative stress reduction, inflammatory response modulation, and intestinal integrity maintenance.
"The immune system is the first target of mycotoxins," Riahi said. "There are two concepts: immunostimulation and immunosuppression."
Curcumin, derived from turmeric, demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects while supporting immunity through T-cell modulation and regulation of CD4+ and B cell differentiation, Riahi explained. Research shows the extract reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production, increases beneficial gut bacteria populations, and enhances lymphoid organ development including the Bursa of Fabricius and spleen.
2. FSIS extends comment period on salmonella strategy
Stakeholders have until March 4 to submit comments on practical strategies to reduce Salmonella in poultry products.
USDA
Feedstuffs.com
February 3, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety & Inspection Service announced a 30-day extension of the comment period related to its Jan.14, 2026, public meeting to discuss practical strategies for reducing Salmonella illnesses attributed to poultry products.
A few industry groups requested the extension to provide stakeholders with additional time to prepare their comments. The comment period will now end on March 4, 2026.
Comments may be submitted online via the federal eRulemaking portal at www.regulations.gov; by mail, or by hand or courier delivery to the Jamie L. Whitten Building. All items submitted by mail or electronically must include the agency name and docket number FSIS-2025-0179.
Full text: https://www.feedstuffs.com/policy/fsis-extends-comment-period-on-salmonella-strategy
3. CWD setting deadly records in Wisconsin; Counties with CWD in Deer Increasing in Iowa
CWD setting deadly records in Wisconsin
By Patrick Durkin
Antigo Daily Journal
February 4, 2026
Alice Roosevelt, the sharp-tongued eldest daughter of Theodore Roosevelt, famously said, "If you can't say something good about someone, sit right here by me."
Would Alice have invited us to sit beside her to badmouth chronic wasting disease? Probably not. Few people do.
Even so, Wisconsin's 2025 deer seasons proved we still can't wish away Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The Department of Natural Resources found a record 2,022 CWD cases in a record 41 counties for a record detection rate of 11.2%, up from 10.3% in 2024 and 7.7% in 2021.
Counties with CWD in Deer Increasing in Iowa
By Janelle Tucker
KMCH.com
February 3, 2026
More counties in Iowa are showing cases of Chronic Wasting Disease in deer.
Iowa DNR state deer biologist Jace Elliott says there were a few more counties added to the list of those with positive CWD tests in deer following this year's hunt. Thirty-eight of Iowa's 99 counties now have at least one positive detection.
Full text: https://kmch.com/2026/02/04/counties-with-cwd-in-deer-increasing-in-iowa/
4. New AVMA Standards Recognize Foam Depopulation for Swine Emergency Response
The addition of foam-based depopulation methods is a gamechanger for swine producers, says Andrew Bowman, DVM, with The Ohio State University. It's provides a critical advantage in speed, cost and logistics.
By Jennifer Shike
Pork Business
February 3, 2026
From fires to tornadoes to foreign animal disease outbreaks, no two emergencies are identical on the farm. That's why depopulation plans must take a number of specific circumstances into account.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recently released revisions to its Guidelines for the Depopulation of Animals. After years of research and work, foam depopulation is now recognized as a tier 1 method.
"The addition of foam-based depopulation methods to our toolbox provides a critical advantage in speed, cost and logistics," says Andrew Bowman, DVM, with The Ohio State University. "This is a gamechanger for swine producers."
5. Ontario Draft Horse Tests Positive for Strangles
EDCC Health Watch
TheHorse.com
February 4, 2026
A 15-year-old draft horse gelding in Dufferin County, Ontario, has tested positive for strangles. The horse developed clinical signs on Jan. 27, including white discharge from both nostrils and a high fever.
A new horse had arrived at the farm two weeks before this horse developed clinical signs. The new horse seemed "off" and was isolated just prior to this gelding becoming ill.
Full text: https://thehorse.com/1142256/ontario-draft-horse-tests-positive-for-strangles/
6. Diagnosing and Treating Equine Vitamin E Deficiency Diseases
Posted by Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc
TheHorse.com
February 4, 2026
Vitamin E functions as an important and potent antioxidant supporting neuromuscular health in horses, said Sarah F. Colmer, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM, a fellow in large animal neurology at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square, during her Burst presentation at the 2025 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 6-10, in Denver, Colorado.
Horses typically get vitamin E from fresh green grass. Levels of vitamin E degrade rapidly in stored hay. In addition, individual animal factors might affect horses' vitamin E blood levels, such as increased metabolism or malabsorption.
Equine Motor Neuron Disease
If horses haven't consumed enough vitamin E, they can develop equine motor neuron disease (EMND), a sporadic neurodegenerative disease characterized by muscle wasting, weight loss, muscle fasciculations (involuntary contractions of small muscle fibers), excessive recumbency (lying down), weight shifting, and a characteristic "elephant on a ball" stance in some cases. "We are seeing less of EMND because our knowledge of vitamin E importance has improved," said Colmer. "This condition is typically observed in horses with a history of limited access to pasture."
Approximately 45% of EMND horses treated with vitamin E respond, but many horses must be euthanized. In some cases horses might simply stabilize and neither decline nor improve.
Full text: https://thehorse.com/1142250/diagnosing-and-treating-equine-vitamin-e-deficiency-diseases/