1. MDARD Announces Detection of Bovine Tuberculosis-Positive Herd in Charlevoix County [edited]
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Press Release
February 20, 2026
LANSING, Mich.-The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting a case of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a dairy herd from Charlevoix County, located west of Michigan's Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ) -an area where the disease is known to be present in the white-tailed deer population. Following a bovine TB detection in an adult cow identified at a United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service-inspected processing plant, the animal was traced back to its herd of origin. The herd was subsequently tested, and additional bovine TB cases were found.
"This latest detection of bovine TB highlights two important realities: how challenging the disease is to address; and why it is so crucial to use all of our tools for detection to swiftly identify cases and take actions to limit disease spread," said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "While finding a newly affected herd is never ideal, this case demonstrates our systems for detection and traceability are working, allowing us to quickly implement measures to protect animal health and public health in Michigan."
An epidemiological investigation is already underway to rule out the possibility of additional cases stemming from this affected herd.
New VSV-Positive Equine Premises Identified in Arizona
EDCC Health Watch
TheHorse.com
February 20, 2026
According to the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, one new vesicular stomatitis (VSV)-positive premises has been identified in Maricopa County, Arizona.
Since October 2025, VSV has been identified at nine equine premises in Arizona, as well as in one wild horse from the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group in the Tonto National Forest. 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.
Full text: https://thehorse.com/1142425/new-vsv-positive-equine-premises-identified-in-arizona-2/
Colorado Quarter Horse Tests Positive for EIA
EDCC Health Watch
TheHorse.com
February 19, 2026
On Feb. 17, a 7-year-old Quarter Horse mare used for racing in Weld County, Colorado, tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). The horse was tested due to exposure to a positive horse in Adams County, Colorado, in December. Two additional horses have been exposed.
Full text: https://thehorse.com/1142427/colorado-quarter-horse-tests-positive-for-eia/
3. Plan ahead to protect your herd
K-State Beef Cattle Institute experts say liver flukes can pose serious health risks to cattle, particularly in wet pastures, making proactive disease management essential.
By Chevy-Lynn Vaske, K-State Extension news service - Kansas State University
Beef Magazine
February 19, 2026
Wet conditions that favor parasites like liver flukes are a reminder that herd health threats often develop quietly before becoming costly problems.
On a recent episode of the BCI Cattle Chat podcast*, K-State beef cattle experts say proactive disease management and emergency preparedness planning go hand-in-hand in building resilient cattle operations.
[*See: https://ksubci.org/2026/02/13/guest-dr-christine-navarre-liver-flukes-emergency-preparedness/ ]
"Understanding and anticipating disease risks, like liver flukes, helps you keep animals healthier and more resilient when unexpected challenges arise," said Christine Navarre, an extension veterinarian at Louisiana State University and guest on the weekly podcast.
The team described liver flukes as parasitic worms that can damage the liver and bile ducts of livestock, especially cattle and sheep, and are more common in wet pasture environments.
These parasites can lead to a range of health issues - from reduced weight gain to sudden death in severe cases - making early detection and response planning essential for producers.
"Understanding and anticipating disease risks, like liver flukes, helps you keep animals healthier and more resilient when unexpected challenges arise," said Christine Navarre, an extension veterinarian at Louisiana State University and guest on the weekly podcast.
Full text: https://www.beefmagazine.com/livestock-management/plan-ahead-to-protect-your-herd
4. Nebraska veterinarians help cattle producers strengthen Beef Quality Assurance practices
By NTV News
February 18, 2026
LINCOLN, Neb - Beef Quality Assurance, a program developed by cattlemen in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is playing a central role in how beef products are raised with animal welfare, food safety and responsible management in mind. In Nebraska, veterinarians are directly involved in that work, helping producers apply research-based practices to their operations - changes that ultimately affect what reaches consumers.
Sierra Rush, a veterinarian who works with feedlot and cow-calf operations through Rice Veterinarian Services in Broken Bow, is involved in Beef Quality Assurance training and works directly with producers to improve cattle care and management practices.
"Veterinarians are the middlemen, really," Rush said. "We work with the producers, and then we work with Nebraska BQA, and we're given that research on how best we can use husbandry skills to advance care at the production level."
5. Meat Institute unveils updated animal handling guidelines
Guidelines, audit were authored by the Meat Institute's Animal Welfare Committee, working with CSU Professor of Animal Behavior Dr. Temple Grandin.
Meat Institute
National Hog Farmer
February 19, 2026
The Meat Institute has published an updated versions of the Animal Welfare Audit and the Meat Industry Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines, reinforcing the industry's commitment to humane animal handling, employee safety, and continuous improvement.
"Humane animal handling is a core responsibility of meat packers and a foundational element of a safe and ethical food system," said Julie Anna Potts, president and CEO of the Meat Institute. "These updated guidelines and audit reflect the latest science and best practices, giving companies the tools they need to protect animal welfare, support their workforce and deliver wholesome food to consumers around the world."
The guidelines and audit were authored by the Meat Institute's Animal Welfare Committee, working with Colorado State University Professor of Animal Behavior Dr. Temple Grandin. The audit is certified by the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization PAACO.