BioSec Bob here on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 — let’s get right into it.
First up on the swine side: Madison’s Country Q106 is reporting that certified swine sample collector training is now available for producers who want to be ready if disease strikes. The certification program teaches proper protocols for collecting samples that hold up under lab scrutiny — critical if you need to document what you’re dealing with fast and get actionable results back. Training covers everything from sample integrity to chain of custody, and it’s designed to make sure your operation can respond with confidence if something goes wrong.
Sticking with health monitoring, Pork Business has details on smart ear tags that are now predicting swine health problems up to 48 hours before symptoms show. The technology tracks behavioral and physiological markers — movement patterns, feeding activity, temperature shifts — that flag trouble early. That window gives producers time to isolate animals and intervene before a health event cascades through the barn.
Also from Pork Business this morning — five swine diseases you need to watch right now. The list covers what’s circulating, what’s elevated in certain regions, and what producers should be alert for on their own farms. It’s worth running through the details with your veterinarian and checking your own biosecurity and vaccination protocols against each one.
On the genetics front, there’s encouraging news from Pork Business. New data shows strong consumer and producer support — 12-to-1 in favor — for pork products from PRRS-resistant pigs. The research suggests the market’s ready for genetics that can reduce one of swine’s most persistent viral threats, and that kind of market signal tends to accelerate adoption across the industry.
Across the border in Ontario, Farms.com is reporting that the Ontario Pork Congress 2026 is coming up and will be showcasing innovation and growth in Canada’s swine sector. It’s an opportunity to see what’s moving in the Canadian market and network with producers managing similar operations.
And internationally, the Hindustan Times reports that Meghalaya’s government in India is intensifying efforts to contain African Swine Fever. The state’s ramping up surveillance and response measures as the disease continues to spread in the region. ASF hasn’t established itself in North America yet, but it’s worth watching how other regions manage it.
Keep your eye on those disease alerts — early detection saves barns.