BioSec Bob here on Sunday, October 4, 2026—let’s get right into it.
The USDA is enlisting hunters as an extra set of eyes in the field to help detect African swine fever in wild pig populations, according to RFD-TV. The agency is asking hunters across affected regions to report any sick or dead wild pigs they encounter during hunting season, recognizing that sportsmen spend considerable time in areas where surveillance infrastructure may be sparse. The goal is to catch ASF before it spreads further into commercial swine operations. Hunters can report suspicious animals to their state wildlife agency or directly to USDA veterinary officials.
Over on the poultry side, researchers have found a promising enzyme combination that makes canola meal viable as a soybean alternative in broiler diets. Bioengineer.org reports that the enzyme blend improves digestibility and nutrient absorption, potentially opening a new ingredient option for producers facing soybean availability or price constraints. The discovery was validated through feeding trials showing comparable growth rates and feed efficiency to conventional soybean-based rations.
Halfway around the world, the municipality of Sablayan in the Philippines has strengthened its restrictions on live pig imports due to ongoing African swine fever pressure in the region, according to Inquirer.net. The tightened ban reflects rising concern about disease introduction through animal movement, part of a broader effort across Southeast Asia to contain ASF spread.
Back in Michigan, the Pork Producers Association is hosting a series of regional “Elevate Your Herd” meetings aimed at show pig breeders, Michigan Farm News is reporting. The gatherings will focus on genetics, herd health protocols, and market positioning for breeding stock, with sessions scheduled across multiple counties to increase accessibility for producers.
Shifting to a global poultry challenge, a survey cited by Bioengineer.org shows that many Nigerian poultry farmers lack awareness of internal parasite threats to their flocks. The research indicates gaps in knowledge about worm identification, transmission, and control measures—issues that directly impact production efficiency and bird health in commercial operations.
Finally, Barbados has increased surveillance at poultry facilities following a confirmed bird flu outbreak in neighboring Suriname, according to the Jamaica Observer. Authorities are monitoring farms and live bird markets more closely to catch any sign of the virus before it gains a foothold on the island.
Keep close tabs on your health protocols this week—plenty of movement and disease pressure out there.