NEWSROOM

BioSec Bob here on Friday, May 15, 2026 — let's get right into it.

Mexico has halted imports of certain US pork products over pseudorabies virus concerns, according to The Pig Site. The move affects specific shipments while Mexican authorities assess the disease risk. Pseudorabies, also known as Aujeszky's disease, is a reportable pathogen in swine, and the import suspension underscores how quickly trade partners respond when detection occurs. Producers shipping to Mexico will need to verify their product status and documentation with their buyers and export channels as Mexican officials work through their review process.

On the domestic disease front, Ohio's Country Journal is reporting that a pseudorabies detection has served as a reminder of the ongoing vigilance required in swine disease monitoring across US operations. The detection itself highlights the critical role of diagnostic testing and herd surveillance programs that keep producers informed of disease pressure in their regions and neighboring operations.

Switching gears to the producer response side — agronews.com is covering how a producer-led advisory committee has advanced a comprehensive swine health strategy. The committee, made up of working producers and industry representatives, has moved the initiative forward with a focus on practical disease prevention and herd management priorities. The group's work reflects how producers themselves are shaping the industry's approach to health challenges rather than waiting for solutions to come from outside the sector.

Over on the poultry side, CIDRAP reports that US officials have documented a handful of new avian flu outbreaks at poultry facilities. The agency notes these are scattered detections, and outbreak response protocols are underway. Facility locations and flock sizes weren't detailed in this morning's report, but producers with layer or broiler operations should stay current with their veterinary advisors on any regional activity in their areas.

There's some encouraging news from the research bench — National Hog Farmer is reporting that H5N1 risk to the swine program has sparked virus research innovation aimed at better understanding and preventing cross-species transmission. Scientists are working to develop tools that could help protect swine operations if avian flu variants continue to circulate in poultry populations nearby.

And rounding out the poultry briefing, Feedstuffs is highlighting research suggesting that winery byproducts could offer protection for poultry health. Early work indicates certain compounds from wine production waste may have beneficial properties in feed formulations, though commercial applications and regulatory pathways are still being evaluated.

Keep your disease protocols locked in — it's a busy season for surveillance.