1. USDA seeks FIFRA exemption for pesticide to fight screwworm
EPA is reviewing NovoFly, which produces only NWS males that will be sterilized before release to help eradicate pest.
By Kristin Bakker
Beef Magazine
April 27, 2026
As New World screwworm (NWS) continues to move north through Mexico, the U.S. has been adding as many tools to the toolbox as possible to help prepare in the event the devastating pest crosses the border. NWS, a parasitic fly that lays eggs in open wounds on mammals, represents a serious threat to animal health and the U.S. livestock industry.
The Food & Drug Administration has issued emergency use authorization to several animal health products that may be effective in preventing and treating NWS.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has submitted a Section 3 registration application to the Environmental Protection Agency for a new pesticide product containing an unregistered active ingredient called NovoFly. Developed by USDA's Agricultural Research Service, NovoFly is genetically engineered to produce only male NWS flies, which are then sterilized through irradiation using the sterile insect technique (SIT).
Full text: https://www.beefmagazine.com/policy/usda-seeks-fifra-exemption-for-pesticide-to-fight-screwworm
2. US prepares to import New World screwworm treatment from Brazil as cases approach border
Author(s): Abi Bautista-Alejandre, Assistant Editor
DVM360.com
April 28, 2026
The US is preparing to bring in a multi-species treatment for New World screwworm (NWS) that is not currently available domestically, as the parasite continues to move closer to the southern border. On April 27, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted an emergency exemption allowing the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to import Tanidil (coumaphos, propoxur), a topical powder made by Elanco Animal Health in Brazil. Confirmed cases of NWS have been reported within 62 miles of the US-Mexico border.
The exemption, issued at the request of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), is intended to get the product into the national veterinary stockpile before any confirmed US cases.1 Earlier the same day, the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for a related product, Negasunt Powder (coumaphos, propoxur, and sulfanilamide), also manufactured by Elanco.
"These emergency authorizations provide new, science-based solutions and treatment options to livestock producers, veterinarians, and other animal health industry stakeholders at a time when they need them most," said Ellen de Brabander, PhD, executive vice president of Research and Development at Elanco.
How Tanidil differs from Negasunt
Tanidil and Negasunt share two active ingredients - coumaphos and propoxur - and both are applied topically to wounds to prevent or kill NWS larvae. The difference is that Negasunt also contains sulfanilamide, an antibiotic, which places it under FDA oversight. Tanidil, which does not contain an antibiotic, is regulated as a pesticide by the EPA instead.
Both products will be available only through APHIS' National Veterinary Stockpile and will be distributed with state animal health officials and federally recognized tribal agencies.
Tanidil is authorized for use in livestock, captive and temporarily captured wildlife, and select zoo species, but is not approved for use in domestic pets or birds.
3. FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Ointment to Prevent and Treat New World Screwworm in Multiple Species, Including Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Horses, Wild and Exotic Mammals, Wild and Pet Birds
FDA News Release
April 24, 2026
Today [4/24/26], the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for F10 Antiseptic Barrier Ointment with Insecticide (benzalkonium chloride, polyhexanide and cypermethrin topical ointment) for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm (NWS) infestations (myiasis).
The FDA has concluded that based on the scientific evidence available, it is reasonable to believe that F10 Antiseptic Barrier Ointment with Insecticide may be effective in the prevention and treatment of NWS myiasis in cattle, horses, minor species of hoof stock (e.g., sheep, goats, deer), raptors and other wild birds, pet birds, and captive wild, exotic, and zoo mammals, and the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh its known and potential risks. F10 Antiseptic Barrier Ointment with Insecticide may not be used in domestic dogs and cats.
Prior to this ointment formulation, the FDA authorized F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray with Insecticide on March 10, 2026.
The agency evaluated relevant human food safety information and concluded that the food products obtained from treated animals are safe for human consumption when the terms and conditions of use granted by the EUA are followed, including the withdrawal period and milk discard time.
4. WOAH calls for action on foot-and-mouth disease (SAT1) international spread
Published on 15 April 2026
WOAH April Newsletter
April 28, 2026
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continues to pose a serious and evolving threat to animal health, food security, livelihoods, and international trade. FMD (serotype SAT 1) has spread beyond its historical African range, causing outbreaks in countries previously free, including those in Southern Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The dynamic nature of this epidemiological situation underscores the need for sustained global vigilance and adapted actions.
Transparent, timely and accurate reporting of FMD outbreaks is essential to safeguarding global animal health. Early notification through WOAH systems enables rapid risk assessment and coordinated responses, strengthens trust among trading partners, and allows timely mobilisation of technical support. Equally important are strong early warning and surveillance systems, continuous risk monitoring, and science-based, risk-based approaches that anticipate emerging threats before they escalate.
WOAH reaffirms its commitment to supporting Members in strengthening preparedness, surveillance, and control, and to facilitating coordination with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other partners through the GF-TADs.
Full text: https://www.woah.org/en/woah-calls-for-action-on-foot-and-mouth-disease-sat1-international-spread/
California Quarter Horse Tests Positive for EIA
EDCC Health Watch
Equus Magazine
April 28, 2026
On April 27, a 4-year-old Quarter Horse mare in San Bernardino County, California, tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). The mare has been quarantined, and there are no additional exposed horses on the property.
Epidemiological tracing is ongoing, but transmission is suspected to be iatrogenic.
Full text: https://equusmagazine.com/news/edcc-health-watch/california-quarter-horse-tests-positive-for-eia-7
Strangles Case Confirmed at Nebraska Boarding Facility
EDCC Health Watch
TheHorse.com
April 28, 2026
One horse at a boarding facility in Douglas County, Nebraska, has tested positive for strangles. One additional horse is suspected to be positive, and 50 horses have been exposed. The sick horse is quarantined.
Full text: https://thehorse.com/1144105/strangles-case-confirmed-at-nebraska-boarding-facility/
6. CDC confirms new Salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry
By Stephanie Soucheray, MA
CIDRAP News
April 27, 2026
Late last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 34 people in 13 states have been sickened in an outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul tied to backyard poultry.
So far no deaths have been associated with this outbreak, but 13 people have been hospitalized.
Michigan has the most cases, with six, followed by Wisconsin and Ohio, each of which have five cases. Indiana, Kentucky, and Maine each have three cases. Illnesses started on dates ranging from February 26, 2026, to March 31, 2026.
41% of cases in children under 5
"Children younger than 5 years old shouldn't handle the birds (including chicks and ducklings) or anything in the area where the birds live and roam. They are more likely to get sick from Salmonella," the CDC said.
Forty-one-percent of case-patients in this outbreak are under the age of 5 years, and, of the 29 people interviewed by investigators, 23 (79%) reported contact with backyard poultry in the days prior to illness.
"Of 14 people who reported owning backyard poultry, 13 (93%) bought or obtained poultry since January 1, 2026," the CDC said. "People reported getting their poultry from various places, including agricultural retail stores."
The CDC said it will continue to investigate the hatcheries associated with cases.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/salmonella/cdc-confirms-new-salmonella-outbreak-linked-backyard-poultry