Weekly Livestock-Equine News: January 5, 2026

What Tyson beef plant closure means for cattle producers

On Nov. 21, Tyson Foods announced it would permanently close its beef processing facility in Lexington, Nebraska, effective Jan. 20. Feedstuffs editors explain what the closure could mean for cattle producers in Nebraska and beyond, how it compares to previous plant disruptions in the last 5-7 years and what economic research says about potential price impacts of such a closure.

Denmark targets overconsumption of antibiotics for pigs

Due to an increase of antibiotic usage by pigs in recent years, Denmark has ordered that antibiotic consumption be reduced by 8% by 2027. As a result, the threshold value in the country’s “Yellow Card” scheme will be lowered by 20%. Herds with high consumption are given a warning – a “yellow card” – to reduce consumption within a set period of time.

Researchers identify alternatives to antibiotics to fight bacteria in horses

Researchers are exploring natural bacteria killers to fight infections in horses, according to a recent article in The Horse. Antibiotics remain life-saving but they come with drawbacks, particularly antibiotic resistance. In equine medicine, wounds are a primary focus for researchers because wounds are easy to access for direct treatment. Options being examined include raw and medical-grade honeys, garlic and platelet-based therapies.

Belgium to stop mandatory BTV and EHD vaccination

In 2026, Belgium will no longer require mandatory vaccination against bluetongue (BTV) serotypes 3 and 8 (BTV-3 and BTV-8) and epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD). Reimbursement for the vaccinations will also be discontinued. Mandatory vaccination was introduced last year to mitigate the consequences of the BTV-3 outbreak in 2024.

Liver abscesses a major concern among beef-on-dairy crosses

The incidence of liver abscesses among beef-on-dairy crosses ranges from 30-40% all the way up to 80-90%, depending on location, origin and practices, says Miles Theurer, DVM, research director for Veterinary Research and Consulting Services. “We need to have more knowledge where these liver abscesses are actually occurring in the production phases for us to develop more appropriate intervention strategies,” he told Drovers.

Oklahoma State creates Beef Center of Excellence

Oklahoma State University has launched the OSU Agriculture Animal Excellence initiative in an effort to elevate teaching, research and Extension programs. At its core is the Beef Center of Excellence, a hub for experts across the beef supply chain. Supported by an advisory board, executive director and endowed chairs in areas such as artificial intelligence, beef cattle economics and rangeland ecology, the Center will fund research and outreach.