BioSec Bob here on Saturday, June 27, 2026 — let’s get right into it.
Nebraska Public Media is reporting that hog producers in Nebraska could soon have access to a faster, safer influenza vaccine. Researchers have been working on an improved formulation that would reduce both the time required for development and the safety concerns associated with current flu vaccines used in swine herds. The advancement could give Nebraska’s producers a meaningful tool for disease management as they work through the year ahead.
Over on the poultry side, Lancaster Farming says a poultry industry insider is expressing optimism about the USDA’s new avian flu plan. The strategy appears to be gaining traction among producers and observers who’ve been waiting for coordinated federal action on the disease. Details on the specifics of the plan are still taking shape, but the early reception suggests producers see it as a step in the right direction.
Shifting focus to the practical realities on the farm right now — TheLandOnline is running a piece on swine producers working through summer heat. Managing herd health and performance when temperatures climb requires sharp attention to ventilation, water systems, and feed management. It’s that time of year when the details make the difference between a solid summer and real trouble.
On the disease prevention front, National Hog Farmer is reporting that the World Organization for Animal Health — WOAH — has published new guidelines for African swine fever vaccines. The updated guidance offers producers and veterinarians clearer standards for vaccine development, testing, and deployment. These guidelines could shape how the industry approaches ASF prevention going forward, particularly as vaccine options continue to evolve.
Moving to processing numbers, Brownfield Ag News says heavier bird weights offset slower poultry processing speeds in May. Plants were running at a reduced pace, but the birds coming through were larger, which meant total pounds processed held up better than throughput numbers alone would suggest. That’s a silver lining for producers who’ve been watching processing capacity closely.
Finally, the situation in the Philippines is tightening — Panay News reports that Aklan province has ordered quarantine checkpoints as African swine fever continues spreading through neighboring areas. The governor’s move reflects growing alarm as the disease threat advances, with strict movement controls now in place to protect the province’s hog operations.
Keep your vaccination records sharp this weekend.