Weekly Livestock-Equine News: October 6, 2025

Zoetis receives FDA conditional approval for Dectomax-CA1 Injectable for NWS myiasis in cattle

Zoetis Inc. announced that Dectomax-CA1 Injectable is the first parasite control product to receive conditional approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention and treatment of infestations caused by the larvae of Cochliomyia hominivorax (myiasis), and prevention of reinfestation for 21 days. The conditional approval applies to beef cattle, female dairy cattle less than 20 months of age, pregnant beef cows, newborn calves and bulls.

USDA finishes National Poultry Improvement Plan

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service finalized amendments to the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP). Key updates include conditioning indemnity for low pathogenicity avian influenza on adherence to approved biosecurity plans and aligning regulatory language with modern poultry production and disease-control practices.

Infection control expert urges an attitude change on antibiotic usage

Speaking at the recent British Equine Veterinary Association Congress, Scott Weese, chief of infection control at Ontario Veterinary College’s Health Sciences Centre, urged vets to “treat patients, not lab results” to combat antimicrobial resistance. “Vets often fear being blamed if they do not use antibiotics or end a course early and an animal has a complication. Risk aversion hampers effective change. The ‘what if’ is a big problem. ‘It can’t hurt’ is a fallacy.”

AAEP issues diagnostic guidelines for equine infectious respiratory disease

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has published on its website Field Diagnostic Guidelines for Equine Infectious Respiratory Disease to assist practitioners with development of differentials and diagnostic strategies for approaching equine respiratory disease of unknown etiology. Diagnostic testing to determine etiology is strongly recommended to provide targeted treatment strategies, implement biosecurity protocols if necessary, and support overall herd health.

Researchers work to understand and reduce miscarriages in horses

Researchers are working to understand how bacterial infections such as Streptococcus equi cause miscarriages in horses. “The bacteria enters the cervix and infects the placenta, which is the main source of oxygen and nutrients for the fetus,” said Dr. Sophia Marchio, a doctoral student at Texas A&M. One tissue – the amniotic membrane – may play more of a role in miscarriages than previously thought.

India bans 34 antimicrobials

In a move to combat antimicrobial resistance, India’s Union Health Ministry has banned the import, manufacture and sale of 34 antimicrobials for use in animals. The list includes 15 antibiotics, such as carbapenems, ceftaroline, glycopeptides, oxazolidinones, and plazomicin; and 18 antivirals, including oseltamivir, molnupiravir, favipiravir, ribavirin, and baloxavir marboxil have also been prohibited. The recommendations bring India in line with the European Union.