Merck clinical data puts canine immuno-oncology on firmer commercial ground

Veterinary oncology could be moving closer to a more differentiated treatment market after Merck Animal Health published peer-reviewed clinical findings on gilvetmab, its caninized anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody for dogs with melanoma or mast cell tumour. The update matters commercially because it adds published clinical evidence to a product category that has historically had few targeted options in companion-animal practice.

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CDC warning puts rabies readiness back in focus

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned of increased recent animal rabies activity and associated human exposures, placing renewed emphasis on disciplined risk assessment, vaccine access and coordination between veterinary and public-health systems. In a 10 September statement, CDC said that reports of animal exposures and rabies post-exposure vaccinations rose across the United States during the summer of 2026. The agency issued a Health Alert Network advisory for clinicians, health departments and the public, urging evidence-based assessments and use of current ACIP recommendations when post-exposure vaccination or treatment is indicated.

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Washington dairy HPAI detections renew the case for early surveillance investment

USDA confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza in two Washington dairy herds has added a new state to the livestock dimension of the HPAI response, sharpening the economic case for surveillance and farm biosecurity even as the commercial milk supply remains safe. The 8 October finding is Washington's first confirmed HPAI detection in livestock, according to the US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

APHIS said its National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed H5 clade 2.3.4.4b by PCR in two dairy herds after animals showed clinical signs consistent with avian influenza. The agency said the herds had previously tested negative through routine surveillance under the National Milk Testing Strategy. Genetic sequencing is to be completed, while APHIS and the Washington Department of Agriculture carry out on-farm investigations, diagnostic testing and epidemiological work.

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Namibia FMD outbreak triggers UK restrictions on ruminant imports

An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in cattle near Namibia's southern border with South Africa has quickly become a market-access issue for ruminant supply chains. The UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and the Animal and Plant Health Agency have issued safeguard measures that suspend imports of fresh meat from susceptible species across Namibia and restrict other commodities, demonstrating how animal-health events translate directly into trade controls.

Namibia notified the World Organisation for Animal Health of the outbreak through the World Animal Health Information System, the UK authorities said in their 29 September notice. The affected area was one from which imports of certain fresh meat from ungulates had been permitted. An earlier notice requested that consignments of fresh meat from FMD-susceptible animals and relevant animal by-products be held while the situation was assessed.

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Doris Muller Doblies says Salmonella eradication remains a long term challenge

Dr. Doris Müller-Doblies, Elanco's Global Food Safety Consultant, used the AviPro Excellence Forum 2026 to make a measured point about Salmonella: control programmes can deliver major progress, but eradication remains difficult and the gains can be fragile.

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Prof. Rüveyde Akbay honoured for linking poultry science with breeding development

The first Turkish scientist inducted into the International Poultry Hall of Fame helped connect international expertise and genetic resources with Türkiye’s domestic poultry breeding programmes.

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