Weekly Livestock-Equine News: December 1, 2025

Boehringer Ingelheim obtains EU ‘positive opinions’ for avian flu vaccines

The EU has adopted positive opinions for two Boehringer poultry vaccines against the highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza virus: VAXXITEK HVT+IBD+H5, a trivalent vaccine offering combined protection against Marek’s disease, Infectious Bursal Disease and H5 avian influenza in chickens and turkeys in one shot; and VAXXINACT H5, an inactivated vaccine that protects chickens, turkeys and ducks against avian influenza (H5 virus subtype).

PRRSV vaccine effectiveness linked to T cell response

A study from North Carolina State University shows that the effectiveness of vaccines against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is due to the response of T cells rather than the production of antibodies. While current vaccines offer protection, the rapid mutation of PRRSV means that vaccinated pigs cannot produce a consistent neutralizing antibody response. The study is described as an important step toward identifying specific vaccine targets.

Horseracing authorities propose updates to metformin testing specs

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) announced that HISA’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control Committee has recommended the adoption of a Minimum Reporting Level (MRL) of 4.0 nanograms per milliliter in blood for the banned substance metformin. The proposed modifications will be circulated for public comment in the coming days.

Animal Health International acquires Redbook Software

Animal Health International, a subsidiary of Patterson Companies Inc., announced it has acquired Redbook Software Inc., a Colorado-based software company specializing in cloud-based financial operating systems for feedyards. The investment adds “a mobile-first, scalable and user-friendly solution designed for cattle producers wanting real-time information,” according to Animal Health International.

SEEK Labs reports successful use of programmable CRISPR gene therapy

Salt Lake City biotechnology firm Seek Labs announced publication of a peer-reviewed paper in Viruses (MDPI) revealing the first successful use of a CRISPR-based therapeutic to treat African Swine Fever Virus in pigs. The outcome validates the company’s Programmable Target Ablation Platform (PTAP) as a foundation for a rapid, adaptable antiviral modality across animal and human health, according to Seek.

Anthelmintic resistance reduces efficacy of dewormer for sheep and goats

A deworming treatment for sheep and goats is no longer effective due to anthelmintic resistance, according to researchers from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. The researchers tested faecal egg counts of goats and sheep in New England before and after administering fenbendazole and found an average FECR of 41%, well below the minimum clinically recommended threshold of 90%.