Weekly Livestock-Equine News: February 16, 2026

Zoetis launches BRD genetic predictions

Zoetis Inc. announced the launch of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) genetic predictions in INHERIT Select for commercial cow-calf operations and as an upgrade to its INHERIT Connect test for seedstock. The company says this marks the first time that cattle producers can select replacement females and evaluate sires based on genetic predictions for BRD health and survival.

Ag Department extends comment period on poultry salmonella strategy

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety & Inspection Service announced a 30-day extension of the comment period related to its Jan.14, 2026, public meeting to discuss practical strategies for reducing Salmonella illnesses attributed to poultry products. The comment period will now end on March 4, 2026.

Texas governor issues NWS disaster declaration

Although the New World screwworm fly is not yet present in Texas or the U.S., its spread from Mexico toward the U.S. southern border poses a serious threat to Texas’ livestock industry and wildlife, said Governor Greg Abbott. He called for the formation of a Texas New World Screwworm Response Team.

Rule to end soring remains stalled by industry challenges

The federal agency charged with enforcing horse protection regulations announced that it would delay the effective date of a rule intended to fortify prohibitions on soring, the practice of using chemicals or mechanical devices on show horses to induce pain to elicit an exaggerated gait. The deferral was the third since the Horse Protection Amendments were published in May 2024 by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Originally slated to take effect in February 2025, the measures have been weakened and stalled by industry legal challenges.

FDA issues EUA for injectable to prevent New World screwworm in cattle

The agency ruled that Ivomec (ivermectin) injectable solution from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA against New World screwworm may be effective for the prevention of infestation caused by NWS larvae in cattle when administered within 24 hours of birth, at the time of castration, or when a wound appears.

New strain of PRRSV plagues pig farmers in Ohio

A new strain of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is plaguing pig farmers in Ohio. PRRS 1-10-4 L1C.5.35 is moving fast through barns and is more aggressive than other strains, said Bethany Heitkamp, a veterinarian with Cooper Farms in Oakwood, Ohio. The most unusual thing she is seeing are clinical signs in older market pigs, in addition to aggressive signs in sow units and in nurseries.