BioSec Bob here on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 — let’s get right into it.
Wisconsin’s poultry producers are dealing with a heavily concentrated bird flu problem. According to Wisconsin Farmer, just two counties have accounted for 98 percent of the state’s avian influenza losses since 2024. That concentration means the virus isn’t spreading evenly across the state, but when it does hit those hotspot areas, it’s hitting hard. For producers outside those two counties, it underscores the importance of understanding your local disease pressure and adjusting biosecurity accordingly based on what’s actually happening in your region.
Moving across the border to Minnesota, poultry owners there are getting a direct warning to tighten up. InForum is reporting that Minnesota poultry owners are being urged to protect their flocks as bird flu activity remains a real threat. State officials are emphasizing preventive measures, and the message is clear — this isn’t hypothetical. Producers with any birds, whether it’s a backyard operation or a commercial setup, need active protection protocols in place right now.
On a brighter note from the poultry side, there’s genuine progress on the vaccine front. Lancaster Farming reports that Wayne-Sanderson Farms had a promising first year with a metapneumovirus vaccine. The company’s seeing real results in its first season of deployment, which matters because metapneumovirus can cause significant production losses and respiratory issues in flocks. A working vaccine option gives producers another tool to manage disease risk going forward.
Turning to swine health, there’s practical data coming out on disease control. Pork Business is reporting that low-cost swine trailer wash and disinfection protocols are reducing the risk of PEDv and Delta-CoV transmission. The research shows you don’t need expensive equipment to make a real dent in viral contamination on trailers — straightforward wash and disinfection procedures are getting the job done. That’s the kind of actionable finding producers can implement immediately.
Internationally, Finland just confirmed its first African swine fever case in Lappeenranta, according to YLE News. This is the first detection in that city, which means the disease continues to move through Europe. While it’s not on US soil, ASF remains one of the diseases the industry watches most carefully — the proximity in Finland is worth noting for anyone thinking about European trade or supply chain considerations.
Finally, researchers are making headway on faster IBV vaccine development. Feedstuffs reports that a promising route to quicker infectious bronchitis vaccines has been discovered. Infectious bronchitis costs the industry real money in morbidity and lost production, so accelerating vaccine development timelines could be a game-changer for flock health management.
Keep your biosecurity audits current — lot of moving pieces this week.