Weekly Livestock-Equine News: May 5, 2025

Aptamer Group gains access to swine vaccine market

Aptamer Group plc., a UK-based developer of synthetic binders, has entered into a global licensing agreement with the University of Glasgow for the commercial use of a panel of Optimer binders as vaccine adjuvants for swine. The licensed Optimers are reported to have demonstrated strong immune-enhancing capabilities in preclinical studies. The agreement provides Aptamer access to the $1.75 billion global swine vaccine market.

CDC cancels workshop on preventing human bird flu infections

The National Academy of Sciences has canceled a workshop on preventing human bird flu infections after being told to stop work on the event by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to an email sent to one of the workshop presenters and seen by Reuters. Bird flu has infected 70 people – most of them farmworkers – over the past year as it has spread aggressively among cattle herds and poultry flocks.

Zoetis launches ‘Buy Less Dewormer’ campaign amid concerns about anthelmintic resistance

Zoetis Inc. has launched an awareness campaign encouraging horse owners to rethink their deworming practices in an effort to combat widespread anthelmintic resistance. In June 2024 the American Association of Equine Practitioners issued a revised set of internal parasite control guidelines which recommend the majority of adult horses be dewormed twice a year at most.

U Minnesota seeks equine participants for study on pergolide for PPID

Researchers from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine are conducting a research initiative aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, or equine Cushing’s disease, in horses. The key objective is to understand the genetic mutations that contribute to the effectiveness and adverse effects of pergolide in managing PPID signs.

AVMA large-animal internship guidelines emphasize mentorship, outcomes

AVMA’s first “Veterinary Large Animal Hospital Internship Guidelines” call for detailed orientation programs, regular performance evaluations using multiple assessors, and assigning an experienced veterinarian as a mentor. The guidelines also provide direction for employment arrangements. Interns should be offered clear contracts outlining duties, schedules and benefits.

Hoofprint Biome raises $15M to cut methane and boost yield in cattle

Hoofprint Biome, a North Carolina-based firm developing an enzyme-based feed additive that reduces methane output from ruminant animals, announced the closing of a $15M Series A. The round was led by SOSV, with participation from Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, Breakthrough Energy Fellows and Alexandria Venture Investments. All existing investors also participated in the round including AgriZeroNZ, Twynam, Good Growth Capital and Ponderosa Ventures.

Genus secures FDA approval for PRP porcine gene edit

British animal genetics company Genus reported the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved its PRP gene edit under its PRRS Resistant Pig (“PRP”) program for use in the U.S. food supply chain. The gene edit is designed to provide pigs resistance to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), a disease affecting swine globally, whose symptoms include fever, respiratory distress, premature births.