Weekly Livestock-Equine News: December 8, 2025

Researchers identify cause, potential remedies, for pig ear necrosis

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have identified a common bacteria – Fusobacterium necrophorum – as the culprit of pig ear necrosis, a painful affliction that causes the ear tissue of pigs to rot away. Pig ear necrosis only occurs when the bacteria are transferred via saliva through biting or chewing ears, an identified habit of pigs. Using a research vaccine, the researchers reduced clinical signs by 50%.

USDA launches centralized New World Screwworm website

USDA has launched a New World Screwworm (NWS) website to centralize information on the government’s “whole-of-government response” to the parasitic flies. USDA says Screwworm.gov has resources for livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health officials, wildlife professionals, healthcare providers, pet owners, researchers, drug manufacturers and the general public.

Nevada joins USDA’s State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program

The USDA announced that Nevada has met the agency’s “at least equal to” food safety standard and will be joining the State Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) Program. Nevada’s participation expands local inspection capacity, food safety oversight and market access for small and very small processors. Nevada is the 30th state with an approved MPI program.

North Dakota mandates vet checks on incoming horses to curb EHV-1

Horse owners bringing their animals into North Dakota must now have a veterinary inspection certificate due to an equine herpes virus outbreak in other portions of the country. While there are no cases in North Dakota as of now, the policy is intended to ensure the state does not get any.

Students learn to combat insect threats to livestock health

Kansas State University and other universities are stepping up efforts to create opportunities for students interested in studying insects and ticks that can affect livestock. Cassandra Olds, assistant professor of entomology at K-State, collaborated with others to develop the Research and Extension Experience in Veterinary Entomology for Students (REEVES), an eight-week summer residential program offering an immersive experience in veterinary entomology research and extension.

Annual global beef output expected to drop for first time in five years

Beef production in key regions is expected to contract by 0.8% in 2025 compared to 2024, resulting in the first global beef contraction in five years, according to Rabobank. New Zealand is expected to experience the largest percentage drop in production, while the US, with its larger production base, is expected to see the largest drop in volume, falling almost 500,000 metric tons (down 4%).