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August 2026

Vaccines protect your horse from this virus

West Nile virus, Eastern/Western Equine Encephalitis, and Rabies are all excellent choices for horse vaccinations. However, today we'll focus on just one, West Nile virus. Unfortunately, West Nile virus is endemic in the United States and spreads between birds and mosquitos with birds as the primary host. Infected mosquitos can and do routinely spread the virus to other species, most often people and horses. West Nile virus can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and infected horses may or may not show neurological symptoms. Vaccines for horses are widely available and have been proven to be effective in preventing infection. Cases are often reported in late-summer to early-fall, which makes now an important time to be aware of West Nile virus. Horse owners should be proactive and talk to their veterinarian today about protecting their horse's health tomorrow. In addition to vaccination as a protective measure, horse owners can also work to reduce mosquito populations. Practices such as changing water in drinking troughs every week, mowing long grass, draining stagnant water puddles, and removing items such as old tires and tin cans may help to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

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Minnesota officially free from HPAI in poultry

On July 22, 2026, Minnesota crossed a somewhat familiar milestone when Board of Animal Health officials declared freedom from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the state's poultry populations. This achievement was possible after the Board fulfilled several status actions and disease surveillance requirements.

While this classification is a major step in the right direction it does not mean the work of animal health officials and poultry producers stops. Instead, this lull in cases means the fight against HPAI allows responders and flock owners to catch their breath and prepare for the next wave. The Board has previously declared freedom from HPAI several times in this current response, which started in 2022:

• February 17, 2023 (free of HPAI until October 8, 2023)
• March 18, 2024 (free of HPAI until April 10, 2024)
• October 16, 2024 (free of HPAI until November 22, 2024)
• March 28, 2025 (free of HPAI until September 15, 2025)
• July 22, 2026

Swine producers can get free RFID tags and equipment

As of July 2025, the USDA is funding free RFID tags and equipment for swine producers. These funds support RFID implementation in cull sow market channels (such as sorting stations and processing plants) and swine exhibition sites. Equipment options
vary based on facility type and operational needs. The program’s goal is to enhance the speed and accuracy of swine disease tracking, assist State Animal Health Officials with risk-based decision making in disease outbreaks, help maintain and regain market access and support the economic stability of U.S. pork producers.

The program provides Half Duplex RFID 840 tags. Order RFID swine tags online. Producers must order at least 20 tags and can order up to 6,000 based on production size. Sow farms can request tags based on the number of sows per Premises Identification Number (PIN). Exhibition groups can request tags based on the number of swine exhibited. Questions about tag orders should be sent to 840swinetags@Merck.com.

Additionally, RFID equipment like panel readers (including installation) and handheld readers may be available. Producers should contact Brent Pepin for more information.

September quarterly Board meeting details

The next quarterly meeting of the Board of Animal Health will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in the Gainey Room at the Owatonna Public Library, 105 N Elm Ave Owatonna, MN 55060 and remotely on Microsoft Teams. Visit our website for Board member and meeting details.

Healthy animals for healthy people and communities.

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