1. Global guidelines for African swine fever vaccine published
Produced for WOAH members, guidelines address gaps in field evaluation of ASF.
The Pirbright Institute
Feedstuffs
May 19, 2026
Scientists from The Pirbright Institute and City University of Hong Kong have led the development of the first international guidelines for the field evaluation and post-vaccination monitoring of African swine fever virus (ASFV) vaccines.
Produced to strengthen disease control among World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) members, the guidelines address gaps in field evaluation of African swine fever (ASF), a devastating transboundary disease affecting both domestic and wild pigs.
Originating in sub-Saharan Africa, ASF has spread rapidly over a decade to Asia, Europe and parts of the Caribbean, threatening food security and undermining livelihoods.
"The need for reliable field data on vaccine safety and performance under field conditions has become increasingly urgent," said Dr. Georgina Limon-Vega, group leader in applied epidemiology at The Pirbright Institute.
Commercially produced live attenuated virus (LAV) vaccines for ASF control have recently received regulatory approval in Southeast Asian countries and are being integrated into control strategies. However, field evaluation research and post-vaccination monitoring remains limited. Regulatory and post-approval monitoring processes for veterinary vaccines vary between regions, leading to inconsistencies and gaps in data.
Full text: https://www.feedstuffs.com/swine/global-guidelines-for-african-swine-fever-vaccine-published
2. Funding opportunity addresses antimicrobial stewardship in animal ag
ICASA requests research that promotes judicious antibiotic use in swine and beef production.
Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research
Feedstuffs
May 20, 2026
The?International Consortium for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Agriculture?(ICASA), a multi-partner consortium created by the?Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research?(FFAR), today launched the ICASA 2026 request for applications (RFA) to solicit research that advances antimicrobial stewardship in animal agriculture.
The requested research will provide U.S. swine and beef producers with practical solutions, such as new technologies and management practices, that promote judicious antibiotic use and improve animal health and welfare.
Preapplications are due by 5 p.m. June 10, 2026 (EDT). On July 15, 2026, meritorious applicants will be invited to submit full applications, which are due Sept. 2, 2026.
Qualified researchers may request $100,000 to $500,000 in ICASA funds per project. Matching funds equal to at least 40% of the total project budget are required for this funding opportunity.
3. One Confirmed, Two Suspected Strangles Cases in Oregon
EDCC Health Watch
TheHorse.com
May 19, 2026
According to the State Department of Agriculture, one horse in Crook County, Oregon, has tested positive for strangles, and two horses are suspected to be positive. Additionally, 30 horses have been exposed to the disease. The affected horses are under quarantine.
Full text: https://thehorse.com/1144858/1-confirmed-2-suspected-strangles-cases-in-oregon/
4. New state vet spends first year combating avian influenza [IN]
Kyle Shipman has spent the better part of his first year on the job leading avian influenza response efforts. He's also traversed the state, bringing him closer to In
By Allison Lynch, Indiana Prairie Farmer
Farms.com
May 20, 2026
Embracing a boots-on-the-ground approach has taken on a new meaning for Kyle Shipman. The Indiana state veterinarian has spent the better part of his first year in the role leading efforts to control avian influenza, and he's racked up some serious miles heading out to visit producers where they're at.
"I've had the opportunity, with avian influenza, to really get boots on the ground," he reflected. "So, I've joined our teams in the field and have done some of those response steps with our team and laid eyes on how it's occurring and what we can do better. I want to get right there at that producer interface to have conversations and work through the response."
This isn't new to Shipman, who previously oversaw the avian influenza response operations for the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH), and working individually with producers is still his priority one year into his role.
Full text: https://www.farmprogress.com/animal-health/new-state-vet-spends-first-year-combating-avian-influenza
5. FDA conditionally approves 100 mL size of Dectomax-CA1 against screwworm
Product also granted Emergency Use Authorization in dairy cattle, pigs, horses, sheep and deer.
Feedstuffs
May 19, 2026
Zoetis Inc. announced that Dectomax/Dectomax®-CA1 (doramectin injection) was recently granted conditional approval of the 100 mL vial size for the prevention and treatment of infestations caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax (New World screwworm) larvae in cattle and prevention of reinfestation for 21 days.
With previous conditional approval of the 250 mL and 500 mL sizes, Dectomax-CA1 Injectable is now available in all three sizes. Dectomax-CA1 remains the only nonprescription product conditionally approved by the Food & Drug Administration to prevent and treat infestations caused by New World screwworm larvae in cattle.
This conditional approval applies to beef cattle, female dairy cattle less than 20 months of age, pregnant beef cows, newborn calves and bulls. Dectomax-CA1 is not for use in calves to be processed for veal. Dectomax-CA1 is not for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, except under the conditions of the recently granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
6. Bird flu found in polar bear in Europe for first time, on Svalbard
By Reuters
May 19, 2026
STOCKHOLM, May 19 (Reuters) - Bird flu has been detected in a dead polar bear in the Arctic Svalbard archipelago, the first time the virus has been found in the species in Europe, a Norwegian government agency said on Tuesday.
The Norwegian Veterinary Institute said in a statement it had also detected bird flu in a dead walrus on Svalbard, which is roughly halfway ?between the North Pole and mainland Europe.
"The findings are part of a trend where highly pathogenic avian influenza virus is increasingly being detected in mammals in Europe," it said.