Weekly Livestock-Equine News: September 2, 2024

Equine owners advised to act against EEE

Horse owners should consider vaccinating their horses against mosquito-borne illnesses such as eastern equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, WEE, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, VEE and West Nile Virus, WNV, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service veterinarian Terry Hensley, DVM, TVMDL. Cases of eastern equine encephalitis infections were confirmed in two Houston County (Texas) horses. These are the first reported cases of the mosquito-borne illness in Texas.

Texas A&M projects future retail meat prices

The Texas A&M University Food Price Predictor study, which projects future retail meat prices, attributed an anticipated slight increase in beef prices, particularly for ground beef and chuck roast, on the seasonal surge in demand and reduced beef production. The study also attributed a trend in lower chicken prices to efficiencies gained in poultry production, increasing production and lower feed costs.

WSU awarded grant to develop vaccine for tick-borne pathogen

Washington State University researchers have been awarded an $800,000 grant to develop a safer and more effective vaccine for Anaplasma marginale, a tick-borne pathogen which can cause severe anemia, illness, abortions and death in cattle. In the United States alone, the disease costs cattle producers an estimated $300 million annually.

Hormel makes executive change amid volatility in the turkey sector

Hormel Foods is re-hiring John Ghingo — the former president of its Applegate Farms brand — to run its retail division as the company doubles down on its snacking business amid volatility in the turkey sector. Hormel reported a 7% year-over-year decline in net sales in May. CFO Jacinth Smiley attributed two-thirds 0f its retail decline to lower volumes for its Jennie-O turkey brand due to the ongoing bird flu outbreak.

Viral swine diseases will be USDA focus

The World Organization for Animal Health has designated the USDA’s National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, or NBAF, as the Collaborating Centre for Genomic Monitoring of Viral Swine Diseases. NBAF is a research and diagnostic laboratory facility dedicated to protecting the U.S. from transboundary, emerging and zoonotic animal diseases.

Smithfield Foods carves out European business

Smithfield Foods announced the carve-out of its European operations. Smithfield Foods and Morliny Foods, previously known as Smithfield Europe, will remain subsidiaries of WH Group. Smithfield expects to continue to drive North American growth by building Packaged Meats share. The company’s North American presence includes a majority stake in Altosano, a joint venture in Mexico.