BioSec Industry Briefing — Thursday, October 22, 2026

BioSec Bob here on Thursday, October 22, 2026 — let’s get right into it.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture is reminding poultry owners to stay vigilant about highly pathogenic avian influenza. According to Ad Astra Radio, KDA’s alert comes as HPAI continues to pose a serious risk to backyard and commercial flocks across the state. Owners are being urged to monitor birds closely for signs of illness and maintain strict biosecurity measures.
Down on the swine side, authorities in Andaman have formed a special task force to contain African Swine Fever. The Andaman Chronicle reports the task force is working to identify all pig owners and locate stray pigs within a one-kilometer radius of infected zones. The aggressive containment approach reflects the urgency of preventing further spread in the region.
Broader disease pressure is building globally. Pork Business reported this morning that both foot-and-mouth disease and African Swine Fever continue spreading across international herds, with October data showing the threats remain active and expanding. U.S. producers are watching these developments closely given import and trade implications.
On the vaccine development front, there’s movement toward expanded swine protection. Feedstuffs is reporting that researchers are working on a combined swine vaccine targeting both Nipah virus and pseudorabies. The dual-target approach could simplify herd health protocols if development succeeds in meeting efficacy standards.
Poultry vaccine research is also advancing. According to KMJ Now, scientists are focused on developing improved poultry vaccines with better efficacy and broader protection profiles. The research effort reflects industry recognition that current tools need strengthening against emerging and re-emerging threats.
Over in Brazil, Newcastle disease has hit poultry operations, but Reuters is reporting that analysts don’t expect the outbreak to create major long-term market disruption. The assessment suggests Brazil’s industry response and trading partners’ confidence are holding the situation in check for now.
Keep your alert systems sharp — disease pressure’s real this week.