BioSec Bob here on Saturday, August 1, 2026 — let’s get right into it.
New research is reshaping how the swine industry thinks about feed biosecurity. According to Feedstuffs, scientists are uncovering fresh strategies to prevent disease transmission through feed and feed ingredients — a critical vulnerability in herd health that’s often overlooked compared to water or direct animal contact. The findings are already getting attention from major feed manufacturers and integrators who recognize that contaminated feed poses a real risk vector for pathogens. This work comes as producers continue to tighten their protocols across every input, and the research is expected to inform industry standards over the coming months.
Across the Atlantic, Finland’s dealing with something it’s never seen before. Pork Business is reporting that Finland has detected its first-ever cases of African Swine Fever near the Russian border — a significant development for a country with a major pork export market and one that’s been ASF-free until now. The discovery has already triggered trade implications and heightened surveillance efforts throughout Scandinavia and the European Union. U.S. producers aren’t directly affected by Finland’s situation, but the outbreak underscores just how mobile this disease remains and why border monitoring continues to matter.
Turning back to domestic disease priorities, Brownfield Ag News reports that pork producers are intensifying their focus on some of the costliest swine diseases circulating right now. Operations across the country are investing in diagnostics, vaccination programs, and herd management changes designed to cut losses from illnesses that hit both productivity and profit margins. The effort reflects producer determination to stay ahead of diseases that don’t require an exotic pathogen to do real economic damage.
The USDA is backing that effort with real dollars. WBRZ is reporting that the USDA is putting $35 million toward feral swine control across fourteen states, including Louisiana. Feral swine populations carry disease and destroy pasture and grain operations, so this federal support for trapping, removal, and population management is aimed at protecting both livestock and cropland in affected regions.
On a different production challenge, National Hog Farmer is covering research from UC Davis tracking rising cases of pelvic organ prolapse in breeding sows — a welfare and economic issue that’s becoming more frequent in high-producing herds. Researchers are investigating genetic, nutritional, and management factors that may be contributing to the increase, with the goal of identifying practical interventions for producers.
Finally, the FDA has released its National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System Strategic Plan for 2026 through 2030. According to 3tres3.com, the plan outlines the agency’s approach to tracking resistance patterns across human, animal, and environmental sectors over the next five years. Producers using antibiotics — whether therapeutically or otherwise — should stay tuned for any updated guidance tied to this strategy.
Keep a close eye on your feed sources and your herd health protocols this weekend.