Veterinary News,
Explained.

USDA APHIS and partners began distributing oral rabies vaccine baits in targeted rural, suburban, and urban areas. The wildlife program uses fishmeal-coated vaccine sachets to reduce rabies transmission in reservoir species and help protect people, pets, and livestock.

USDA announced a $25 million commitment toward a sterile fly dispersal facility in Arizona as part of the response to New World screwworm. The facility is intended to strengthen regional capacity to distribute sterile flies, a key population-control method for the parasite.

USDA announced a phased reopening of selected southern ports for cattle trade, beginning with Douglas, Arizona, on August 24, 2026, contingent on response measures. Incoming animals will undergo USDA inspection for signs of New World screwworm.

USDA reports confirmed U.S. cases of vesicular stomatitis virus in 2026. The contagious disease mainly affects horses and cattle, can cause painful blister-like lesions and drooling, is associated with biting insects, and can occasionally infect people.

USDA APHIS updated its national wild-bird surveillance page for highly pathogenic avian influenza. Wild birds may carry HPAI without obvious illness and can introduce virus into new areas, making surveillance an early-warning tool for poultry and other susceptible populations.

USDA APHIS and the National Agricultural Statistics Service will begin a voluntary national study of equine operations in August 2026. The survey will collect information on health, management, and industry practices to guide future disease-prevention and education priorities.

USDA APHIS confirmed New World screwworm in a calf in Zavala County, Texas. APHIS describes NWS as a serious pest affecting livestock, pets, wildlife, and sometimes people and birds; larvae burrow into the flesh of living animals and can cause serious tissue damage.

USDA APHIS updated its New World screwworm current-status page on May 27, 2026, stating that NWS is not currently present in the United States while continuing to track Mexico and Central America and maintain prevention efforts.

USDA APHIS highlighted an EPA emergency exemption allowing importation and use of Tanidil, a topical powder used to treat or prevent New World screwworm, with availability through APHIS and the National Veterinary Stockpile if needed.