FDA Authorizes Two NWS Treatment Options
FDA issued two new Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) to help prevent and treat New World screwworm (myiasis) in livestock, including sheep:
- F10 Antiseptic Barrier Ointment with Insecticide (topical ointment): Authorized for multiple species, including sheep and goats, and available over the counter. FDA notes food safety conditions apply, including a 30-day slaughter withdrawal for sheep/goats and a 10-day milk discard period.
- Negasunt Powder (topical powder): Authorized for sheep, goats, cattle, swine, equids, and certain captive mammals. Distribution is intended to be limited to USDA for authorized users (with potential veterinary use if NWS incursions occur), with a 28-day slaughter withdrawal and no use in animals producing milk for human consumption.
New ASI Research Update Podcast
ASI’s Research Update podcast has a new episode: “Nutritional Disorders – White Muscle Disease” featuring Dr. Whit Stewart (University of Wyoming). In this ~50-minute conversation, listeners will get a practical look at what drives white muscle disease, what to watch for, and how nutrition and management decisions can help reduce risk in flocks.
ASI Opens Search for Director of Communications
ASI is seeking a strategic and experienced communications professional to lead all internal and external messaging efforts. This full-time, on-site role in Englewood, Colorado, will oversee communications strategy, content development, media relations, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen the voice and impact of the U.S. sheep industry. The ideal candidate is a strong writer, digitally savvy, and skilled at translating complex industry and policy topics into clear, compelling messaging.
NWRC 2024 Accomplishments Report Available
USDA Wildlife Services shared the National Wildlife Research Center’s 2024 Accomplishments Report, highlighting new, science-based tools and research that help resolve human-wildlife conflicts, including work tied to agriculture, livestock protection, wildlife disease, invasive species, and more. NWRC’s mission is to apply scientific expertise to address wildlife-related challenges while maintaining environmental quality. Moving forward, NWRC plans to publish this accomplishments report every two years, making the 2024 edition an especially timely snapshot.
House Agriculture Committee Passes Farm Bill
On April 29 and 30, 2026, the House of Representatives considered and passed H.R. 7567 – Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The House passed the farm bill by a vote of 224-200. 14 Democratic members and one Independent voted in favor of the bill, Reps. Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Don Davis (D-NC), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), Adam Gray (D-CA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Kristin McDonald Rivet (D-MI), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), Josh Riley (D-NY), Kim Schrier (D- WA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), and Kevin Kiley (I-CA). 3 Republicans joined the rest of the Democrats in voting down the bill, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), and Harriet Hageman (R-WY). The final version of the farm bill included a slew of amendments passed late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. Of note, lawmakers voted to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants to use benefits to purchase rotisserie chicken and removed controversial pesticide labeling language. It is now on the Senate Agriculture, Forestry and Nutrition Committee to take up its own version of the bill, though the Committee has yet to introduce text or provide a concrete timeline for moving a farm bill.
House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Releases Votes Bill Out of Committee
On April 29, the House Appropriations Committee favorably reported the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies bill, as amended, out of Committee by a largely partisan 35 – 25 vote, with Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) as the sole Democrat voting in favor of the bill. This bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $26.27 billion, which is $380 million (1.4%) less than the FY26 enacted level. A few highlights for the sheep industry include a $1,000,000 increase in funding for Wildlife Services (WS), support for M-44s, WS cost sharing, funding for New World screwworms and more. The Subcommittee approved the measure on April 23, and the Full Committee voted for the bill on April 29. You can find a summary for the bill here, report language here and bill text here.