BioSec Bob here on Friday, May 8, 2026 — let’s get straight to it.
The American Veterinary Medical Association is reporting pseudorabies has been detected in commercial swine herds for the first time in nearly twenty years. The Kossuth County Advance confirms a case in Iowa, marking a significant break in what had been a disease-free period for the domestic herd. Pseudorabies, also called Aujeszky’s disease, causes reproductive failure, neurological signs, and death in swine. The virus had been largely controlled through vaccination and herd management protocols since the mid-2000s. This detection has already triggered trade responses — Meatingplace reports that the number-one pork export market has now restricted some U.S. pork products in response to the confirmation. However, Pork Business notes that Mexico is maintaining access for U.S. pork muscle cuts despite the pseudorabies case, which keeps a critical market partially open for American producers.
Turning to poultry health now, WATTPoultry.com has been analyzing what’s actually driving HPAI transmission in commercial flocks. The reporting digs into the mechanics of how the highly pathogenic avian influenza spreads through production systems — looking beyond surface-level exposure to the operational and environmental factors that allow the virus to move between birds and across facilities. Understanding those transmission pathways is crucial as the industry works to refine biosecurity protocols.
Out of the Southeast, the CDC is investigating a salmonella outbreak spanning thirteen states, including Kentucky, according to The Courier-Journal. The investigation is still underway to identify the source and scope of the outbreak. Kentucky poultry producers will want to stay alert for any updates as the agency works through the data.
Keep your eye on trade developments — this week’s shifted considerably.