NEWSROOM

BioSec Bob here on Friday, November 13, 2026—let's get straight to it. Florida swine producers are dealing with a swine flu situation, according to WKMG. Health officials are reporting active cases moving through the state. The virus is spreading among commercial and backyard operations, and producers are being urged to monitor animals for respiratory symptoms and fever. Quarantine protocols are in effect at affected sites. Up north in Wisconsin, Fox News is reporting a deadly bird flu outbreak that's forced officials to order the destruction of a backyard poultry flock. The strain confirmed on the farm is highly pathogenic, presenting significant risk to surrounding operations. State veterinarians moved quickly on depopulation to prevent further spread in the region. Sticking with poultry, preliminary bird flu tests have come back positive at a Worcester County poultry farm, according to WBOC TV. The farm is under investigation and samples are being sent for full confirmation. Authorities say additional testing of nearby flocks is underway as a precaution. Over on the swine side, Pork Business is highlighting transportation biosecurity as a critical vulnerability the industry's been overlooking. Trucks moving hogs between farms and to processing facilities aren't receiving the same level of protocol attention as barn-level biosecurity. Experts point to vehicle sanitation, driver protocols, and load scheduling as major gaps that need tightening across producers' operations. The USDA weighed in this morning with a reminder that the U.S. and its territories remain free of African swine fever, according to The Virgin Islands Consortium. The agency renewed its holiday pork warning, urging producers and consumers to avoid bringing pork products into the country from high-risk regions. Vigilance at ports and borders remains essential heading into the season. Finally, National Hog Farmer is reporting that elevated dietary iodine is impacting growth performance in nursery pigs. Research shows excessive iodine in feed is suppressing weight gain and feed efficiency in young animals. Producers should review mineral premixes and iodine fortification levels to stay within recommended ranges. Keep your biosecurity checklist current—lot of movement happening right now.