Weekly Livestock-Equine News: February 23, 2026

Norbrook dewormer gains FDA approval

The FDA has approved the first bioequivalent cattle dewormer. Defendazole, from Norbrook Technical Services, has the same active ingredient in the Safe-Guard brand-name product. “Internal parasites present a significant cost to all sectors of the beef industry, through reducing feed intake, reducing weaning weights, reproduction and other performance indicators,” said Norbrook Technical Services veterinarian Dr. Megan Bollin.

Can a handheld device detect equine sepsis?

Dr. Serena Ceriotti, an assistant professor in large animal emergency and critical care in Auburn University’s Department of Clinical Sciences, has made it her mission to improve the detection, monitoring and treatment of equine sepsis. Her study involves cell-free hemoglobin (CFH), a substance that leaks into the bloodstream when red blood cells break down during sepsis and other illnesses. In human medicine, a handheld device can measure CHF in seconds. Dr. Ceriotti will study whether something similar could work with horses.

Virginia Tech equine center offering H-FIRE tumor ablation procedure

The Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center is now offering the non-thermal tumor ablation procedure, which was developed through collaboration between veterinary medicine and engineering at Virginia Tech. The technology allows most horses to remain standing during treatment, eliminating the violent muscle contractions induced by other treatments that require general anesthesia.

Black calves, AI are reshaping the dairy P&L

The dairy industry is undergoing a structural transformation. With beef prices at historic highs, the revenue generated from crossbreeding dairy cows with high-quality beef genetics has upended the traditional P&L. What’s more, AI-driven cameras monitor employee performance, animal movement and milking procedures. Other key trends include diversification, sustainability and water management and manure management.

Researchers develop evidence-based strategies for tylosin usage

The Texas Cattle Feeders Association-supported study found that reduced-duration feeding strategies can lower liver abscess risk compared to not using tylosin at all, though continuous feeding throughout the finishing period remains the most effective option for control. “Rather than prescribing a single solution, these findings provide producers, veterinarians, and nutritionists with clearer information to help weigh management decisions that affect animal health, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability,” said Dr. Paul Morley, the study’s principal investigator.

FDA provides guidance on ‘duration of use’ of antibiotics for food-producing animals

The FDA finalized recommendations for how animal drug sponsors may voluntarily establish defined durations of use for medically important antimicrobial animal drugs. Many of the antimicrobial drugs affected were approved decades ago, when antimicrobial resistance was not yet a pressing public health concern. Specifying when and for how long a drug may be used helps ensure products remain effective while minimizing food-producing animals’ exposure to antimicrobial drugs.