Weekly livestock and equine news: May 4, 2020

ASF underreporting ‘rampant’ in China: USDA

Government officials in China say pig herd levels will be back to normal this year following the African swine fever outbreak, but data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows a different picture, Feedstuffs reports. USDA in a new report said that industry sources believe the number of actual outbreaks far exceeds what China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has said. “Underreporting is rampant as government agencies at all levels face serious challenges in collecting and reporting outbreak information from swine farms,” the report said. “Some farms are reluctant to report outbreaks for fear of economic losses, while others report being actively discouraged from reporting ASF outbreaks.” The U.S. Meat Export Federation said China’s hog prices and production data indicate a continued decrease in pork production this year, following the 21% decline reported by official sources in 2019.

FDA approves first generic detomidine hydrochloride injectable solution for horses

The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has approved the first generic detomidine hydrochloride injectable solution for horses. The drug is indicated for use as a sedative and pain reliever to facilitate minor surgical and diagnostic procedures in mature and adolescent horses. It’s an important tool in enabling the animals to receive treatment while managing pain during minor surgical procedures, like repairing skin lacerations, according to the FDA.

Thailand races to respond to deadly horse illness

Veterinarians are racing to contain a dangerous disease that could devastate Thailand’s horse population and jump across international land and sea borders, VIN News reports. Dozens of practitioners across the country recently started administering vaccines to thousands of horses to protect them from African horse sickness. At least 470 horses have died from the disease in recent weeks, according to Thai authorities, and there are concerns it could kill thousands more. The disease has a mortality rate of 70% to 95%, and while vaccines are effective, they also run the risk of sickening horses.

Merck Animal Health introduces antimicrobial solution

Merck Animal Health announced the launch of Armatrex, an EPA-registered bacteriostatic spray-on antimicrobial solution for use in livestock production, equine and companion animal biosecurity situations. According to Merck, Armatrex—a silane quaternary ammonium salt—provides a protective coating against the growth of bacteria, fungi, mold and algae. As part of a pathogen control protocol, Armatrex provides up to 90 days of antimicrobial protection and can be used in many live animal settings and on a variety of surfaces, according to the company.

Senator wants more COVID-19 aid for farmers

While the coronavirus relief bill included $23.5 billion to help the agriculture industry, farmers will need more assistance going forward, said Senator John Hoeven, appropriations chair of the agricultural subcommittee. Lawmakers in the House are currently pushing for an additional $50 billion for USDA to help continue programs launched in the agency’s recent $19 billion aid package, Feedstuffs reports. Hoeven said that while senators haven’t crafted a similar bill, the House bill provides a foundation for negotiations over future funding. “Clearly, we’ll need to do more,” Hoeven said. He added that the work in the House is a “very good sign” that funding could increase.

Small farmers see business gains as customers shop local

Customers are beginning to purchase food directly from farmers during the coronavirus, a trend that small-scale producers hope will last beyond the immediate situation. “It could be one of the few economic upsides to a crisis that has emptied high streets and felled business as Americans lock down against the fast-spreading novel coronavirus,” Reuters reports. A northern Wisconsin farmers’ collective said they’re making thousands of dollars a week in a season when sales are normally zero. And Illinois farmers said revenues are close to an all-time high as they sell to people instead of restaurants. Many farmers have begun offering online ordering and home delivery. “In two or three weeks we accelerated like five to 10 years of growth and change in the industry,” said Simon Huntley, founder of Harvie, a company based in Pittsburgh that helps farmers market and sell their products online.