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West Nile Virus Detected in Wisconsin Horse

State agriculture officials confirmed Wisconsin’s first case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in a horse this year. An unvaccinated six-year-old Quarter Horse mare in Brown County tested positive.

WNV can infect people, but the virus does not pass directly between humans and horses. Mosquito bites are the only route of transmission. Mosquitoes catch the virus from birds, which serve as natural reservoirs for WNV. The threat is highest when mosquitoes are most active. This active period runs from mid-to-late summer until the first killing frost.

West Nile Virus can cause brain inflammation (encephalitis). Symptoms in horses include fever, coordination loss, hind-end weakness, depression, and poor appetite. The virus can also cause muscle tremors, teeth grinding, swallowing issues, head pressing, and excessive sweating. Severe cases cause the horse to collapse with an inability to rise. The disease affects both horses and people. It is fatal in 30-40% of horses showing signs of illness.

Ag officials strongly urge horse owners to consult their veterinarians. Owners should vaccinate their animals for both West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Officials also recommend reducing mosquito exposure by removing items that collect stagnant water. Maintain your rain gutters, flip wading pools and wheelbarrows upside down, and chlorinate pools and hot tubs. Replace bird bath water frequently. Finally, keep animals in the barn from dusk until dawn during peak mosquito activity.

Precision Over Expansion: Inside the Cattle Rebuild

The latest State of the Beef Industry insights reveal a rare paradox for U.S. cattle producers: Historic profitability and strong demand are clashing with persistent drought, labor shortages and rising biosecurity threats. Across interviews with producers, economists and industry stakeholders, a clear theme emerges: The future belongs to those who pair resilient herds and deep customer awareness with robust data and deliberate succession plans.

“What shape herd expansion takes is the biggest factor to watch,” says Josh Maples, Mississippi State University associate professor and assistant Extension director. “Additionally, strong beef demand will be key, and what happens in grain markets will be a major driver. Cattle markets have benefited from ample corn supplies and relatively affordable feed in recent years.”

A Slow, Intentional Rebuild

Patrick Linnell, CattleFax director of market research, describes the beef industry as standing at a transition point in the cattle cycle. After years of liquidation, drought and elevated cow slaughter, he sees room for expansion — but not a rapid surge. He projects a slow rebuild of the national cow herd, with an eye toward roughly 30 million head by 2030, assuming weather and economics cooperate.

That cautious pace reflects the reality on the ground. In the 2026 survey, 55% of respondents say they plan to increase cow numbers in the next five years, but their optimism is tempered by drought, land costs and lingering memories of past downturns.

National Pork Board Launches Advisory Committees to Strengthen Producer Input to Checkoff Work

Focusing on producer priorities is a cornerstone of the National Pork Board (NPB). Six producer-led advisory committees were recently established to align with the NPB strategic plan. Through a rigorous selection process, more than 120 leaders from 33 states will lend their voice, offer their experience and perspective, and provide direction as part of their committee member role. These insights will help board members and staff deliver meaningful progress on behalf of America’s 60,000 pig farmers.

“When people across the pork industry come together to tackle difficult issues, we can strengthen demand, protect herd health and build a more resilient future,” said David Newman, NPB CEO. “These advisory committees put producer voices at the center of our work, and that shared knowledge translates into meaningful action to drive our industry forward.”

NPB Board Members will chair the quarterly advisory committee meetings that focus on:

• Domestic Marketing helps strategize domestic marketing and Taste What Pork Can Do® campaign to strengthen demand for pork in the U.S. The committee shares perspectives that help connect marketing efforts with broader U.S. pork industry priorities and challenges...

SPECIAL FEATURES, including from many WLIC members:

• Be an Ag Tourist and Explore Wisconsin Farms this Fall
• Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin: Strategically Sharing Wisconsin's Dairy Story
• U.S. Dairy Map Redrawn: 10 States Now Control 74% of Milk Production as Industry Undergoes Historic Shift
• Wisconsin Meat Processors Can Apply for Grants to Expand Capacity

Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association

WLIC | Toll-Free: 88Like8-808-1910 | Fax: 608-848-4702 | jlegge@wiid.org | www.wiid.org