BioSec Bob here on Thursday, August 6, 2026 — let’s get right into it.
Farm Progress is reporting that pseudorabies has been detected in a swine herd in Iowa, marking the first confirmed case in the state in 22 years. The discovery comes after Iowa had maintained pseudorabies-free status since 2004, when the last infection was documented there. The virus, also known as Aujeszky’s disease, causes fever, neurological signs, and reproductive failure in swine. State animal health officials are working with the affected producer on containment and trace protocols. This detection underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance on disease monitoring even when a pathogen hasn’t been present for two decades.
Turning to research now — Farms.com has details on precision feeding work being conducted through the Swine Cluster 4 research program. Dr. Aline Remus is leading Activity 8, which focuses on optimizing feed efficiency and nutrient utilization in commercial swine operations. The precision feeding initiative examines how targeted nutrition strategies can reduce waste and improve performance metrics across different herd demographics. This research is part of a broader collaborative effort to identify practical tools producers can implement to fine-tune their feeding programs.
Across the Atlantic, Global Agriculture reports that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research — ICAR — has developed an indigenous vaccine candidate against African Swine Fever. The vaccine represents a significant development for ASF control given the virus’s continued spread and the limited vaccine options currently available globally. ICAR’s work focuses on a homegrown solution tailored to ASF strains circulating in South Asia, reducing reliance on imported products. The development comes as ASF continues to devastate swine herds in multiple countries.
Back domestically, Yahoo News is covering a new USDA initiative committing $35 million toward feral swine control. The funding targets the damage caused by feral swine populations, which the department estimates costs U.S. agriculture and property owners billions of dollars annually. The program will expand removal operations, research into population management, and coordination with state and tribal agencies across affected regions. Feral swine damage agricultural land, spread disease, and compete with livestock for feed resources.
On the disease front, the Food and Agriculture Organization has unveiled a new strategic framework for addressing transboundary animal diseases like African Swine Fever and foot-and-mouth disease. According to 3tres3.com, the FAO model emphasizes early detection, rapid response coordination between nations, and improved information sharing across borders. The approach recognizes that diseases crossing international boundaries require coordinated surveillance and prevention systems that go beyond individual country efforts.
National Hog Farmer is reporting on conversations among pork producers about the future direction of livestock sustainability. Producers are weighing practices around resource efficiency, environmental stewardship, and production resilience as they plan for the next decade. Discussions include feed efficiency gains, waste management innovation, and supply chain transparency measures being adopted across the sector.
Keep your disease watch sharp this week.