BioSec Bob here on Friday, June 19, 2026 — let’s get right into it.
The United States has officially regained its pseudorabies-free status in commercial swine, according to DVM360. Iowa lifted the last remaining restrictions this week, clearing the way for that designation to be restored. Pseudorabies had been eradicated from U.S. commercial herds years ago, but Iowa’s herd had carried infected premises long enough to keep the country from full free status. With those restrictions now lifted, the entire commercial swine population is cleared.
On the breeding side, Pork Business is reporting that advances in breeding technology are helping swine producers cut their environmental footprint. The improvements focus on selecting animals that convert feed more efficiently and produce less waste, which directly reduces the resource demands of raising hogs. That efficiency gain translates to measurable sustainability benefits across the board.
The USDA’s National Swine Health Strategy is taking aim at disease risks head-on, according to Feedstuffs. The strategy lays out priorities for monitoring and preventing both endemic and emerging diseases in the U.S. swine herd. It’s a coordinated approach bringing together diagnostics, surveillance, and herd management to keep producers ahead of threats.
Over on the poultry side, WATTPoultry.com has put together a rundown of the top ten technology trends moving through the industry so far this year. They’re tracking everything from precision nutrition systems and climate control automation to data analytics platforms that help producers optimize flock performance in real time. These tools are spreading faster than we’ve seen in past years.
Now, a cautionary note from across the water. Panay News reports that Iloilo Province in the Philippines is tightening entry checks on swine shipments and launching province-wide surveillance after a string of unexplained hog deaths. The region’s agriculture office is investigating whether African swine fever is responsible. ASF continues to pose a real risk in parts of Asia and remains a disease U.S. producers and importers watch carefully.
Finally, Brownfield Ag News caught up with a Duroc producer in the Midwest who’s built a specialized feeding program aimed at improving meat flavor and quality. The operation focuses on specific nutrient profiles and timing to develop the pork characteristics their market demands. It’s a niche play, but one that’s resonating with certain buyer segments.
Keep your disease protocols current — lot of activity out there.