BioSec Bob here on Monday, July 13, 2026 — let’s dig into what’s moving the poultry and swine sectors today.
The USDA’s rolled out a new Salmonella pilot project aimed at raw poultry processing plants, according to The Poultry Site. The agency is working directly with participating facilities to test intervention strategies and data collection methods designed to reduce Salmonella contamination at the processing level. It’s a voluntary effort at this stage, giving plants the chance to work with federal officials on practical, real-world solutions before any broader regulatory framework takes shape. The data gathered will help inform what works and what doesn’t in the actual plant environment.
Over on the litter management side, WATTPoultry.com is reporting that moisture control in broiler houses has become critical for protecting chicken paw quality and market value. Excessive litter moisture degrades paw condition, which directly impacts export competitiveness and processing yields. Producers managing moisture through ventilation, stocking density, and water line maintenance are seeing measurable improvements in paw grades and reducing downgrade losses.
Out west, The Seattle Times is documenting the real toll from this summer’s heat. A severe heat wave swept through poultry operations and killed millions of birds across multiple states. The losses hit producers who couldn’t manage temperature spikes fast enough despite having cooling systems in place — ventilation capacity and evaporative cooling simply couldn’t keep pace with the extreme conditions. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly environmental stress compounds during peak grow-out periods.
On the research front, foodagribusiness.world is covering new AI-based tracking systems that are mapping how broiler behavior changes as birds age. The technology captures movement patterns, feeding behavior, and activity levels throughout the grow-out cycle, giving producers and researchers detailed insights into what’s normal at each stage and what signals potential health or welfare problems early.
The USDA’s also expanding its metals testing protocol, The Poultry Site reports, to now include processed meat and poultry products — not just raw materials. The agency is screening for heavy metals and other contaminants in finished products heading to retail and foodservice, closing a gap in the safety net.
Finally, Morning Ag Clips is reporting that the USDA’s monitoring New World Screwworm activity within U.S. borders. The DDA’s Poultry and Animal Health Section is tracking the pest’s spread and impact on poultry operations as it moves into areas where it hadn’t established before. This is an active surveillance situation — producers in affected regions should stay alert and report any suspicious cases.
Keep your biosecurity protocols sharp this week — heat stress and pest pressure are both running high right now.