BioSec Bob here on Wednesday, September 23, 2026—let’s get right into it.
First up on the poultry side: Lancaster Farming’s reminding producers that migratory bird season is here, and that means tightening biosecurity protocols. We’re in the window now where wild waterfowl are moving through the country, and that’s prime time for disease introduction. The message is straightforward—keep your perimeter secure, monitor water sources, control access to feed and equipment, and watch your flocks closely for any signs of illness. Migratory birds can carry pathogens for miles, so this isn’t theoretical risk. It’s something your operation needs to be actively managing right now.
Down in Georgia, there’s some real progress worth noting. The Business Journals is reporting that Georgia poultry producers have made significant headway fighting avian influenza. The state’s gotten control of its outbreak situation through coordinated response efforts and producer compliance with quarantine and culling protocols. That didn’t happen by accident—it took discipline in the field and coordination between farms and state officials. Georgia’s holding the line while other regions are still dealing with active cases.
Turning to the swine side now: Pork Business is flagging a genuine threat that doesn’t get enough attention—feral pig populations and the pathogens they carry. Feral swine across the country harbor diseases that can spill over into domestic herds, including pseudorabies and brucellosis. These aren’t theoretical concerns anymore. Producers operating in regions where feral pig populations are established need to understand the transmission risk, secure their perimeters against wildlife intrusion, and work with state wildlife agencies on monitoring and control. It’s another vector that sits outside your fence but can have real consequences inside it.
On disease management strategy, Pork Business is also covering a deeper question: what would it actually take to eradicate endemic swine diseases from the U.S. herd? Researchers are working through the pathways and probabilities for diseases like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. The analysis includes the cost, timeline, and coordination burden—and it’s sobering. Some diseases that seem entrenched might have an eradication window if producers and packers align on protocols and investment. But that window doesn’t stay open forever, and the math gets harder the longer you wait.
On the equipment side, there’s movement in swine air filtration. National Hog Farmer reports AAF International has launched the BioShield VXL High Flow filter for swine barns. Pork Business is also covering an industry-first MERV 16 filter designed for high air flow applications in swine operations. Both products are aimed at improving air quality and reducing pathogen load without compromising ventilation performance—something producers have struggled to balance. If these perform as intended, they could give you better disease control without running your fans harder or creating hot spots in the barn.
Keep your eyes on those bird flocks and your perimeters tight this week.