BioSec Bob here on Sunday, May 24, 2026 — let’s get right into it.
The Northeast is dealing with African Swine Fever right now, and The Federal is reporting on a question producers and consumers both want answered: is it dangerous to humans? The short answer is no — ASF does not infect people. The virus causes severe disease in pigs but poses no public health threat. That said, the outbreak itself is serious for the region’s swine operations, and biosecurity measures remain critical to prevent spread between farms.
Over in Michigan, the Times Herald is reporting that St. Clair County has confirmed its first salmonella case linked to a poultry outbreak. The case has been epidemiologically linked to poultry, though details on the farm’s location and operation size weren’t specified in the initial report. Public health officials are investigating the source and working with producers to identify other potentially affected birds and trace the contamination back through the supply chain.
On the disease prevention side, The Scottish Farmer is covering government actions being taken to stop African Swine Fever from spreading. Those measures include enhanced border controls, movement restrictions on affected herds, and coordination with regional authorities to contain the virus. The focus is on preventing further geographic spread beyond areas already impacted.
Shifting to the poultry side internationally, PoultryMed is reporting encouraging news from Australia: a study shows very low risk of antimicrobial resistance in retail poultry meat there. Testing across major retailers found minimal prevalence of resistant bacteria in chicken products, suggesting Australia’s approach to responsible antimicrobial use in poultry production is working. That data point stands out in a global market increasingly concerned about resistance buildup in food animals.
Up in Ontario, Farmtario is reporting that Sunrise Farms is planning a $100 million poultry processing plant for the region. The facility will represent a significant capital investment and expansion of processing capacity in Canada. Details on timeline and operational specifics are still being finalized, but the project signals confidence in long-term poultry demand.
Finally, the World Organisation for Animal Health — WOAH — is launching something called the PREVENT Forum, according to 3tres3.com, designed to boost animal vaccination programs globally. The initiative brings together producers, veterinarians, and governments to coordinate vaccination strategies and improve disease prevention protocols across borders. It’s aimed at strengthening the tools available to control diseases that matter to swine and poultry operations worldwide.
Keep your eyes on ASF developments in the Northeast this week.