BioSec Bob here on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 — let’s get right into it.
The USDA is moving forward with details on a new Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program aimed at containing damage across the Southeast, according to Southeast AgNET. The agency is laying out specifics on how producers and landowners can participate in coordinated removal efforts, with funding and technical support available to states hardest hit by feral swine populations. The program targets multiple southeastern states where wild hog populations have become a significant threat to domestic livestock operations and agricultural land.
Up north, Finland’s recent African swine fever detections are putting Canada on high alert. Grainews is reporting that Canadian authorities are reinforcing border biosecurity protocols and disease surveillance in response to the cases found in Finland. Canada’s pork sector has been ASF-free and intends to keep it that way, with producers and officials reviewing entry points and import screening measures to prevent the virus from crossing into Canadian herds.
Turning to Michigan, the Kent County Youth Fair dealt with a serious setback this week. WZZM13.com is reporting that a pig entered in the fair died from swine influenza. Fair officials have been notifying exhibitors and implementing health protocols around the remaining animals on the fairgrounds. The case is a reminder to producers and youth exhibitors of how quickly respiratory viruses can spread in close-quarters livestock settings.
On the disease prevention side, the FDA has granted emergency use authorization for a new drug to prevent New World screwworm infection across multiple species, according to DRGNews. The authorization covers swine along with cattle, sheep, and goats. This marks a significant tool for producers dealing with screwworm risk, particularly in southern states where the parasite poses an ongoing threat.
Some swine operations are turning to digital health tracking to sharpen their management practices. Brownfield Ag News profiled a pork producer who’s found real value in using AgView health data tracking to monitor herd performance and catch disease signals early. The system allows producers to log health observations and disease patterns in real time, building a clearer picture of what’s working on their operation.
And finally, researchers have good news on two viral pathogens. National Hog Farmer is reporting on a study that found mammalian orthoreovirus and porcine adenovirus present in U.S. pig herds but circulating at low levels with minimal clinical impact so far. The findings suggest both viruses are manageable under current biosecurity and management practices.
Keep a close eye on fair season protocols — they matter more than you might think.