Weekly Livestock-Equine News: January 12, 2026
Dechra announces FDA approval of Zygolide for Equine Cushing’s Disease
Dechra received FDA approval of Zygolide (pergolide tablets), the first FDA-approved bioequivalent option indicated for the control of clinical signs associated with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in horses. PPID, also known as Equine Cushing’s Disease, affects approximately 21% of horses aged 15 and older, and prevalence increases to 30% in horses over 30 years old, according to the firm.
New World screwworm found in newborn calf 197 miles from US-Mexico border
On Dec. 27, Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) reported a new case of New World screwworm in a 6-day-old calf with an umbilical lesion in the state of Tamaulipas, approximately 197 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. According to the Texas Animal Health Commission, there have been no other detections or any evidence of established fly populations in the area.
USDA, veterinary schools rebuild the rural animal health pipeline
When the USDA formally elevated the rural veterinary shortage to a national priority in September, the agency signaled a shift from long-standing concern to coordinated action. A wave of federal initiatives, state investments and veterinary school-led programs has begun reshaping how the profession approaches rural workforce development, moving beyond loan repayment alone toward structural, pipeline-based solutions.
LSU researchers receive grant for early detection of Equine herpesvirus-1
Researchers from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine were awarded a Charles V. Cusimano Equine Health & Sports Performance Research Grant to investigate improvements in ways veterinarians can detect latent Equine herpesvirus-1. The researchers are working to develop a rapid, highly sensitive molecular digital PCR assay to detect hidden infections before they lead to disease and new outbreaks. The tool could be valuable for vaccine development.
Parnell introduces veterinary anesthetic with Isoflurane
Veterinary pharmaceutical company Parnell announced the launch of its new Isoflurane Inhalation Anesthetic, a nonflammable and nonexplosive anesthetic designed for the rapid induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in horses and dogs. The company’s anesthesia and sedation portfolio includes PropofolVet Multidose (propofol injectable emulsion), Parnell Brand Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Injection, and CONTRASED (atipamezole hydrochloride).
New dietary guidelines are all about ‘real food’
The federal government’s newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030, call for an end to the “demonization of protein in favor of carbohydrates;” the addition of nutrient-dense protein foods in every meal, such as eggs, poultry, seafood, red meat or plant-sourced protein foods; a larger variety of dairy products, including full-fat dairy products; and fresh fruits and vegetables.
