BioSec Bob here on Thursday, June 18, 2026 — let’s get right into it.
Good news out of Iowa this morning: KIWA Radio is reporting that final tests have confirmed the elimination of a hog virus threat in the state. The virus had been a concern for producers across Iowa’s swine operations, but testing has now shown the pathogen is no longer present in the affected herds and facilities. State veterinary officials completed the final rounds of diagnostics earlier this week, clearing the way for normal operations to resume without restrictions.
On the disease prevention side, researchers have developed a new swine influenza vaccination technique that can significantly strengthen immunity in hogs. According to Phys.org, the enhanced vaccination method improves the body’s protective response compared to conventional flu vaccines for swine. The technique modifies how the vaccine is delivered to maximize immune activation, and early trial results show stronger and longer-lasting protection against multiple flu strains that affect hogs.
Over in Missouri, Pork Business is reporting on a producer who lost three million dollars to disease in recent years. Rather than absorb the loss quietly, the affected operation is now working with the broader industry on a coordinated disease response plan. The initiative aims to create faster detection protocols and information-sharing networks so other producers can avoid similar financial devastation. Details on the specific components of the plan are still being finalized with industry groups and state agriculture officials.
Turning to the poultry side, researchers have developed a new vaccine for a destructive poultry virus, according to AgUpdate. The vaccine targets a pathogen that’s caused significant losses in commercial flocks, and lab trials show strong efficacy. The vaccine is moving toward field testing, with regulatory review underway to determine timeline for availability to producers.
Up north, Manitoba Pork announced it’s welcoming Canada’s new African swine fever zoning agreement with Japan. According to mySteinbach.ca, the deal allows Canada to export pork to Japan from designated disease-free regions rather than implementing a blanket import ban. This zoning framework gives Manitoba producers clearer market access and reduces trade friction for Canadian pork exports.
And on the surveillance front, avian flu has been detected in vultures found dead near Conowingo Dam, WBAL-TV is reporting. The birds tested positive for the virus, marking another detection in wildlife in that region. State wildlife officials are monitoring the situation and working to track the virus’s spread among wild bird populations in the area.
Keep your eye on that vaccination research — could change your disease management toolkit soon.