Weekly Livestock-Equine News: February 2, 2026

South Dakota lawmaker proposes 10-year ban on lab-grown meat

South Dakota could become the eighth state to restrict lab-grown meat under legislation introduced by state Rep. John Sjaarda, a Republican and South Dakota farmer. House Bill 1057 would prohibit the manufacture, sale and distribution of lab-grown, cell-cultured meat products in the state for the next 10 years. The bill would also allow the state to remove any prohibited products from store shelves.

FDA approves generic injection for bovine respiratory disease

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has approved nixiFLOR (florfenicol and flunixin meglumine) injectable solution for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and control of BRD-associated pyrexia (fever) in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle. The application is sponsored by Parnell Technologies Pty. Ltd. New South Wales, Australia. nixiFLOR is the first FDA-approved generic version of Resflor GOLD.

African swine fever found to rapidly undermine immunity

A new study from the UK’s Pirbright Institute highlights the early loss of immune cells in pigs infected with African swine fever virus. The rapid depletion of immune cells that are key to sensing and controlling infections in infected pigs may explain why vaccines remain elusive and the disease is almost always fatal. Understanding which immune cells are targeted first – and how this varies between viral strains – could hold the key to the design of future vaccines.

Dr. Michael Rahe, researcher of swine viral infections, honored at NC State

Dr. Michael Rahe, an assistant professor of immunology at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, has been chosen as a 2025-26 NC State Goodnight Early Career Innovator, an honor that recognizes and rewards young faculty members excelling in STEM roles in the university. Dr. Rahe and his lab focus on creating vaccines to curb disease outbreaks among livestock, primarily swine.

Study shows promise for potential treatment for equine gastric ulcer syndrome

A study published Jan. 14 in the Equine Veterinary Journal shows promise for a potential new treatment – acid-suppression drug vonoprazan – for equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). However, the drug has yet to be FDA-approved for veterinary use in equine species. Omeprazole, the current primarily-used medication for treating equine ulcers, requires a fasting period prior to dosing. But vonoprazan has not proven to be affected by food in the stomach.

American Horse Council partners with National Home Schooling Association

The American Horse Council and American Youth Horse Council announced their collaboration with the National Home Schooling Association to showcase equine-related educational content and curriculum to homeschool families. The AHC/AYHC Youth Resource Handbook serves as a centralized educational tool, highlighting curriculum, programs and opportunities for young people interested in the horse industry while supporting educators and families with industry-backed resources.