BioSec Bob here on Friday, April 24, 2026 — let’s get right into it.
On the swine side, biosecurity’s getting serious attention as African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease remain on producers’ radar. According to OFM News, both ASF and FMD continue to represent real threats to the U.S. pork herd, and the emphasis from industry advisors keeps coming back to locked-down farm protocols. With neither disease currently established in domestic herds, the window to prevent entry through rigorous biosecurity remains the single most critical defense available to producers right now.
Shifting to poultry, the CDC is reporting a salmonella outbreak tied to backyard poultry operations. The outbreak has sickened 34 people across 13 states, according to NTD News. Investigators traced the infections to contact with infected birds kept in backyard flocks rather than commercial operations. The CDC’s advisory emphasizes proper hand hygiene and coop sanitation for anyone handling backyard birds, particularly families with young children.
Out on the West Coast, avian flu’s showing up in unexpected places. CIDRAP reports that California marine mammals — sea lions and otters — have tested positive for H5N1, while the USDA continues tracking active poultry outbreaks in the Midwest. The marine mammal detections mark another sign of the virus’s spread beyond traditional poultry populations, though commercial flocks remain the primary concern for producers.
The National Hog Farmer is highlighting how the National Pork Producers Council is working with USDA on data collection and market reporting. NPPC detailed how real-time USDA data informs pork industry decisions on herd management, pricing strategy, and market timing. Producers say more granular, faster data flow helps them respond to market shifts before competitors do.
Down in Arkansas, poultry producers just caught a legislative win. WATTPoultry.com reports the Arkansas House backed producers in a water dispute, supporting their access rights for farm operations. The vote signals continued state-level support for poultry operations facing water availability challenges in the region.
Globally, pork markets are bracing for cost pressures. Pork Business reports that geopolitical volatility and rising input costs are creating headwinds for exporters and domestic producers alike. Feed costs, energy prices, and trade uncertainty are all factoring into tighter margins for producers managing herds over the coming months.
Keep your biosecurity tight — there’s a lot moving right now.