BioSec Bob here on Monday, April 27, 2026 — let’s get right into it.
The CDC is investigating a multistate salmonella outbreak tied to backyard chickens, according to MyChesCo. The outbreak spans thirteen states and has sickened at least seventy-one people so far. Investigators have confirmed that contact with live poultry, particularly backyard flocks, is the likely source. The affected states include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia. Most cases involved individuals who handled infected birds without proper handwashing or hygiene precautions afterward. The CDC is advising people who keep backyard chickens to practice strict biosecurity measures, including handwashing after any contact with birds or their environment, and to keep live poultry away from kitchen areas and food preparation surfaces.
Turning to market conditions, feeder pig prices are climbing this week across the Corn Belt. National Hog Farmer is reporting that producers are paying top dollar for quality feeder pigs, with strong demand continuing to outpace available supply. Current market dynamics reflect tight hog inventories and solid pork demand both domestically and for export. Feeder pig auctions in Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota are seeing particularly active bidding, with premiums for health-certified and genetics-verified pigs running five to eight dollars per head above baseline pricing. Producers looking to rebuild herds or fill empty spaces are competing aggressively for available animals.
On the disease front, avian influenza surveillance remains elevated across poultry operations nationwide. Poultry Business reports that testing protocols continue at heightened levels on commercial layer and broiler farms, with particular attention on biosecurity practices at processing facilities and live-haul operations. No major new outbreaks have been confirmed in the past week, but producers are advised to maintain strict visitor protocols, equipment sanitation schedules, and staff health screening as we move deeper into spring season. Any birds showing respiratory signs, reduced feed intake, or mortality spikes should be reported to state animal health officials immediately.
Keep your water systems clean this week — heat’s coming, and birds’ll drink more.