BioSec Bob here on Sunday, July 26, 2026 — let’s dig into what’s moving the needle this week.
Starting on the swine side: the USDA’s making real money available for feral swine control. Kauai Now is reporting that $35 million in federal funding is being opened up to partnerships across several states to tackle feral swine damage. The program supports coordinated removal and containment efforts where wild pigs are causing serious agricultural and ecological harm. That’s substantial backing for producers dealing with crop losses and pasture destruction from feral populations.
Shifting to poultry, and this one’s significant for egg producers and retailers both. The FDA says nearly 100 people have gotten sick in a salmonella outbreak linked in part to recalled eggs produced in Texas. ABC7 Chicago is covering the story — and separate recalls are stacking up. Midwest Poultry Services recalled 1.5 million dozen eggs over salmonella risk, while another recall from a Texas operation pulled 1.6 million cartons off shelves at Kroger and other major retailers, according to CBS News and Feedstuffs. The FDA’s actively investigating the source and extent of contamination.
On the genetics front, researchers at Texas A&M have completed an analysis showing “ultrarapid” gene evolution is driving the dramatic diversity in chicken feather coloring. The work helps explain how selective breeding has produced such a wide spectrum of plumage patterns across commercial and heritage breeds — accelerated evolution at the molecular level that’s happened over just decades of focused breeding.
Production numbers came in strong for June. Brownfield Ag News reports poultry output climbed 8 percent year-over-year, suggesting continued demand and solid performance across the sector heading into summer.
One more thing worth your attention: avinews.com has published analysis on invisible challenges lurking in animal feed — contaminants and pathogens that don’t show obvious signs but can compromise flock health and productivity. It’s a reminder that feed quality assurance stays critical every single day.
Stay alert out there — lot of moving pieces right now.