BioSec Bob here on Saturday, August 8, 2026 — let’s get right into it.
The USDA’s committing thirty-five million dollars to feral swine control programs across the country, according to Feed Strategy. The funding will go toward removal operations, research, and management initiatives to reduce the population and damage caused by feral pigs on agricultural and federal lands. The agency says the investment targets states with the highest feral swine populations and the most significant crop and livestock losses.
Over in Iowa, producers working with exhibition swine now have a new tool for the show circuit. Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network is reporting that RFID tag technology is available to improve traceability and streamline check-in processes at livestock exhibitions. The system allows real-time animal identification and movement tracking, which helps with both biosecurity protocols and show management efficiency.
Shifting to the disease side — foodagribusiness.world is covering Finland’s African swine fever outbreak, where more dead wild boar have been discovered following the country’s first confirmed ASF case. The findings suggest the virus may have a wider presence in the wild boar population than initially detected, and authorities are intensifying surveillance across affected regions.
Across the Atlantic in Australia, Victoria state has ordered a poultry lockdown as H5N1 bird flu cases continue to rise, per Anadolu Ajansı. The restrictions prevent movement of poultry and poultry products in and out of affected areas, with authorities implementing enhanced biosecurity measures on farms and processing facilities to contain the spread.
Down south, six state pork associations have formally established the Southeast Pork Alliance, National Hog Farmer is reporting. The coalition includes producers and industry representatives from multiple southeastern states working together on regional policy, market development, and unified advocacy on production issues affecting the region.
Right here at home, Pork Business surveyed producers on their biggest operational concerns, and three issues dominated the conversation: PRRS management, labor availability, and facility infrastructure. Producers cited respiratory disease pressure, ongoing workforce shortages, and the cost of maintaining and upgrading facilities as their top three priorities heading into fall.
Stay alert — plenty moving on both disease and market fronts right now.