BioSec Bob here on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 — let’s dig into what’s happening on your operations today.
Starting with poultry news: Morning Ag Clips is reporting that chicken age, not feed additives, is the primary driver of antimicrobial resistance genes in your flocks. Researchers found that as birds mature, resistance genes naturally increase regardless of whether antimicrobials or additives were used during production. That’s an important distinction for producers weighing feed decisions — the growth phase itself matters more than many of the interventions you’ve been scrutinizing. The research suggests age-related changes in the microbiome are the dominant factor, so your timeline and management protocols may warrant closer attention than the additive question alone.
Over to swine regulations now. Blue News is reporting that a veterinary service has issued new rules affecting pig farmers, though the specific requirements weren’t detailed in the dispatch we received this morning. We’ll have more detail on that as it comes through — make sure you’re checking your state veterinary board communications for the fine print.
Moving south, National Hog Farmer reports Caribbean nations are stepping up African swine fever preparedness efforts. With ASF spreading across multiple regions, countries including those in the Caribbean trade zone are strengthening biosecurity protocols and disease surveillance systems. That matters to US producers shipping to or trading with those markets — tighter controls on their end can affect export logistics and documentation requirements.
On the European front, foodagribusiness.world is reporting that Finland has expanded its ASF core zone along the Russian border. The expanded zone reflects ongoing wild boar and environmental contamination in that region, and it signals the disease continues moving through corridors that directly border major swine-producing areas. Finland’s response is precautionary but worth tracking if you’re monitoring global disease spread patterns.
Heading to the Philippines, negrosnowdaily.com reports that Negros Oriental may resume hog shipments once animals receive clearance from the Bureau of Animal Industry under ASF-free certification. That province had faced restrictions, and the potential reopening of shipments hinges on passing BAI inspection protocols — another example of how regional disease status directly gates market access.
Finally, National Hog Farmer has word on a new pork pricing calculator designed to help producers set direct-market prices. The tool lets you run numbers on your own terms, taking some of the guesswork out of farm-direct sales. Worth pulling up if you’re moving product through that channel.
Keep your disease monitoring sharp — a lot of movement happening globally right now.