BioSec Bob here on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 — let’s get right into it.
Starting with poultry this morning: WATTPoultry is reporting that Minnesota’s avian flu situation is getting worse. Two more commercial flocks have tested positive for the virus, bringing the state’s active cases into double digits. State animal health officials are continuing containment and depopulation protocols on affected operations. The virus remains highly pathogenic, and movement restrictions remain in place across affected counties.
On the swine disease front, National Hog Farmer is taking a look back at lessons learned from the industry’s pseudorabies eradication success. The piece examines how coordinated state and federal response, combined with strict biosecurity protocols and herd testing requirements, allowed producers and regulators to nearly eliminate the disease from U.S. swine populations over the past several decades. The publication highlights the importance of early detection systems and producer buy-in when facing novel disease threats.
Over in Michigan, CBS News is reporting that state health officials have issued a warning about a salmonella outbreak connected to baby poultry purchases. The outbreak has sickened multiple people across the state, with cases traced back to chicks and ducklings obtained from hatcheries and feed stores. Health officials are urging consumers who purchased young birds to practice strict hygiene around the animals and not allow contact with food preparation areas.
Up north, Farms.com has posted a Canada Swine Health Alert Update covering the current disease status in Canadian herd operations. The update tracks active disease monitoring and any changes to regional herd health affecting cross-border trade or movement considerations for U.S. producers with Canadian connections.
Shifting to a different angle on poultry health: AGDAILY is reporting on research into using wine production byproducts as a potential tool to reduce antibiotic use in chicken operations. The study examined how grape pomace and other fermentation leftovers from wineries could be incorporated into feed to promote gut health and lower the need for antimicrobial treatments. Early results show promise, though large-scale implementation timelines remain unclear.
And finally, the American Ag Network is providing a response update on the pseudorabies case that surfaced in an Iowa swine herd. State officials have completed epidemiological investigations and are implementing isolation and testing protocols on the affected operation and nearby herds. The case underscores why every producer needs a solid disease reporting plan in place.
Keep your eye on those avian flu numbers — we’ll have updates as they come.