Weekly Livestock-Equine News: May 12, 2025

New SoundByte: EquiCoxib

EquiCoxib from Aurora Pharmaceutical is an oral solution for horses that aids in the management of pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis. It is flavorless and easily administered based on the actual weight of the patient with a provided syringe. Find more in the SoundByte from Veterinary Advantage

Livestock advocate Temple Grandin receives AVMA Humane Award

The American Veterinary Medical Association awarded Temple Grandin, PhD, professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University and a pioneering animal welfare advocate in the livestock industry, with the 2025 AVMA Humane Award. Her designs for humane livestock handling systems are used in facilities across the globe, and her center track restrainer system is the industry standard in large beef plants in North America.

Europe, Near East face surge of foot-and-mouth disease

The recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Europe and the introduction of an exotic virus strain into the Near East (i.e., Iraq and Bahrain) underscore the need for early detection and enhanced biosecurity, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. FMD is a contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals and is typically characterized by fever and blisters in the mouth and on the feet, accompanied by lameness.

Researchers test flaxseed, pea protein supplement to cut dairy cow methane

University of Florida researchers are testing a supplement, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which in the lab has shown reduced methane production and improved overall digestion. The study was funded in part by O&T Farms Ltd., a Canadian farm that produces animal supplements.

Researchers warn an African Swine Fever outbreak would cost billions

In a hypothetical outbreak of African Swine Fever virus in the U.S., sampling and laboratory capacity would be areas of concern, particularly in areas with dense swine farm populations, according to researchers at North Carolina State University. Overall, their model generated a median of 27 outbreaks in 150 days. For the median outbreak scenario, blood and oral samples had to be taken from pigs in over 3,000 barns.