1. Researchers develop promising livestock vaccine against H5N1 [NE]
New platform combines both intramuscular and intranasal delivery of vaccine in calves.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Feedstuffs
April 24, 2026
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have developed a vaccine approach that shows promise in protecting against highly pathogenic avian influenza, demonstrating strong efficacy in both mice and cattle.
H5N1 bird flu has disrupted agricultural systems globally, leading to the culling of more than 166 million commercial poultry birds in the U.S. since 2022. In 2024, the virus spread to dairy cattle - an unprecedented interspecies transfer - and subsequently caused illness in about 70 farm workers with close contact to infected animals.
The new vaccine platform is designed to protect against multiple H5N1 strains and to generate immunity in both the bloodstream and the respiratory tract. The vaccine research was led by virologist Eric Weaver, professor of biological sciences and director of the Nebraska Center for Virology, along with postdoctoral fellows Joshua Wiggins and Adthakorn Madapong in the UNL School of Biological Sciences. Their findings are forthcoming in NPJ Vaccines.
Full text: https://www.feedstuffs.com/dairy/researchers-develop-promising-livestock-vaccine-against-h5n1
2. More California marine mammals confirmed to have H5N1, as USDA tracks poultry outbreaks in Midwest
By Stephanie Soucheray, MA
CIDRAP News
April 23, 2026
Eleven more marine mammals have been tested and confirmed to have H5N1 avian flu in an outbreak that spans four counties in California. The outbreak total now stands at 58 mammals, including 57sea lions and one otter. All but seven are from San Mateo County.
The outbreak started in February and marked the first H5N1 detection in marine mammals in California. Seals at the state park were observed with abnormal respirations, tremors, and neurologic symptoms.
Commercial detections dropping in April
In other avian flu news, four commercial poultry facilities, one each in North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and Georgia have reported new avian flu outbreaks. The outbreak in Minnesota's Big Stone County involves 62,900 birds on a commercial turkey farm.
Commercial poultry detections have slowed this month compared with March, with 28 confirmed outbreaks in 20 commercial and eight backyard flocks. Roughly 700,000 birds have been affected in the past 30 days.
Wild bird detections have also dropped, with 13 notices from the US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in the past 10 days.
Of note, three Bald Eagles in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and New York were confirmed to have the virus, as were four birds (gulls and a Red-necked phalarope) from San Mateo County, California, the same county with marine mammal detections.
3. Dangerous Tick Detected in Alabama
By Haylie Shipp
Southeast Regional Ag News
April 24, 2026
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries is warning residents after the recent detection of the Asian longhorned tick on a dog in DeKalb County. This invasive tick species is a growing concern because it feeds on multiple hosts, including humans, livestock, pets, and wildlife, moving between animals and the environment.
The tick is known to spread Theileria orientalis, a serious disease that impacts cattle health and productivity. It may also transmit illnesses such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Heartland virus.
Full text: https://www.aginfo.net/report/65269/Southeast-Regional-Ag-News/Dangerous-Tick-Detected-in-Alabama
4. MDARD, MSU CVM Recognize World Veterinary Day with Community Medicine Program Update
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development News Release
April 24, 2026
LANSING, Mich.- Today, in honor of World Veterinary Day (April 25, 2026), the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU CVM) are proud to announce the upcoming launch of the new mobile veterinary unit for the Community Medicine Program, ensuring veterinary and veterinary nursing students will have additional opportunities to refine their skill set while improving access to veterinary care in underserved communities across Michigan.
"By vaccinating animals, offering guidance and education to animal owners, and reporting reportable diseases, Michigan s veterinary health professionals are crucial to creating healthier and safer communities," said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "However, with the current veterinary shortages being experienced in Michigan and around the country, more support for veterinarians is needed as the demand for their services and expertise keeps increasing. We hope the opportunities and experiences offered through this new mobile veterinary unit will ignite a career-long passion to protect animal health and serve the underserved."
World Veterinary Day is a day devoted to recognizing the valuable and essential contributions of veterinary health professionals in maintaining animal and public health. Their guidance, insights, and feedback are fundamental to identifying cases of zoonotic diseases (diseases impacting both animals and people like rabies, West Nile virus, and bovine tuberculosis) and helping to limit the spread and risk posed by those diseases. Healthy animals create the foundation for healthy communities.
5. Veterinary shortage challenges livestock producers across the Northern Plains [edited]
By Callie Hanson
The Fence Post
April 24, 2026
Access to large animal veterinary care continues to be a growing concern, as livestock producers in Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado face ongoing shortages in rural veterinary services.
Much of the region has been identified as underserved through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, which designates areas lacking sufficient veterinary coverage and offers incentives to attract practitioners. These designations underscore a widespread challenge in maintaining adequate care for livestock-heavy states.
The VMLRP map shows large portions of Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado classified as veterinary shortage areas, particularly for food animal practice.
A key issue across the region is building and maintaining a pipeline of veterinarians willing to enter large animal and rural practice. States are increasingly turning to targeted financial incentive programs to recruit veterinarians into underserved areas.
6. Watch the April 1, 2026, ZOHU Call Video
CDC
April 24, 2026
Presentations:
Human Cases of Carbapenemase-Producing Escherichia coli Linked to Spread Between Animals and the Environment in a Veterinary Facility-Massachusetts, USA, 2023
Stephen Cole, VMD, MS, DACVM, Assistant Professor of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania
AND
Ian DeStefano DVM, DACVECC, Assistant Clinical Professor, Emergency and Critical Care
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University
Francisella tularensis Subspecies holarctica in Stranded Beluga Whales, Cook Inlet, Alaska, USA
Natalie Rouse, Necropsy Biologist, Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services, University of Alaska
Watch: https://tinyurl.com/2uvdm2tv