BioSec Bob here on Thursday, May 14, 2026 — let’s get straight to it.
Mexico and Canada have both imposed restrictions on certain U.S. pork imports following confirmed pseudorabies cases, according to AGDAILY. The two countries are limiting shipments from affected regions while U.S. authorities work to contain the disease. Pseudorabies, also called Aujeszky’s disease, is a viral infection that spreads through direct contact and contaminated feed. The restrictions mark a significant trade concern for U.S. producers already watching export markets closely. Both nations have signaled they’ll reassess as the situation develops.
Up in Texas, Texas Tech’s veterinary school is putting a USDA grant to work on swine health research, MyHighPlains.com is reporting. The funding will support diagnostic and management improvements aimed at reducing disease losses in herds across the region. Texas Tech’s program is focusing on practical tools producers can implement, with an emphasis on early detection protocols. The grant reflects growing federal investment in university-based swine health capacity.
On the policy front, a producer-led advisory committee is moving the needle on a new National Swine Health Strategy, according to Agri-Pulse. The committee, made up of working producers and industry representatives, is shaping recommendations that’ll guide disease prevention and herd management priorities at the national level. The strategy’s still in development, but producers have primary input rather than policymakers driving it top-down. The framework’s expected to address gaps in current coordination between state and federal response systems.
Switching to poultry — Cornell University researchers are exploring whether winery waste could cut antibiotic reliance in chicken operations, Fingerlakes1.com reports. Early testing shows certain compounds from grape processing show antimicrobial properties that might reduce the need for conventional antibiotics in feed. The research is still preliminary, but if it scales, it could offer producers an alternative tool for managing chicken health without pharmaceutical inputs. Cornell’s team is working with New York-area producers on trial flocks.
Across the Pacific, the Philippine Information Agency is reporting that regional science agencies are backing an ASEAN-wide strategy to manage African swine fever’s ongoing impact on local hog production. The effort includes improved diagnostics, data sharing between member nations, and coordinated culling protocols. ASF continues to suppress hog supplies throughout Southeast Asia, affecting global pork availability and prices.
Finally, the UK’s rolled out new protective measures against swine fever, according to Farmers Guide. The steps include tighter biosecurity standards at processing facilities and updated movement controls for pigs in high-risk zones. Britain’s been ASF-free but isn’t taking chances given how easily the disease spreads through neighboring countries.
Keep your biosecurity checklists current — lot of moving pieces this week.