BioSec Bob here on Friday, October 2, 2026 — let’s get right into it.
H5N1 avian flu is back in the Midwest, and it’s hitting turkey operations hard. CIDRAP is reporting multiple turkey farms have confirmed cases, marking a significant return of the virus to poultry operations in the region after a period of relative quiet. The affected farms are dealing with the standard biosecurity lockdowns and culling protocols, though specific farm counts and states weren’t fully detailed in the initial reports this morning. It’s a sharp reminder that the virus never really left — it’s circulating in wild bird populations and producer vigilance on perimeter security stays critical.
On the testing front, Alveo’s expanding its capacity to help. High Plains Journal reports the company is broadening its avian influenza testing reach through a new alliance, which should help farms get faster confirmations and results as cases emerge. More testing infrastructure means quicker identification and response, which matters when timing is everything in a disease event.
Switching to swine — Canadian research funding doors are opening up. According to Q Country 91.5FM, funding opportunities for swine research are now available across Canada, though details on the program specifics and application deadlines weren’t fully fleshed out in this morning’s report. It’s worth tracking down the details if you’re involved in any research collaborations north of the border.
Down in South Africa, pig farmers are getting a hard push on African swine fever biosecurity. 3TRES3 is reporting that the industry there is being urged to tighten ASF protocols as the disease continues to threaten herds in the region. While that’s geographically distant from US operations, ASF remains the disease every pork producer watches internationally — it hasn’t made it here, and biosecurity lessons from other countries’ struggles are always worth monitoring.
Finally, out of Canada this morning, Pork Business is looking ahead to the 2027 swine and pork outlook for the country, signaling producers are already thinking about next year’s market dynamics and herd management decisions. The full analysis is worth a read if you’re tracking North American pork trends and pricing expectations as we head into the final quarter.
Stay on top of your flock and herd health — this time of year brings shifting seasons and new disease pressure.