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BioSec Bob here on Thursday, June 4, 2026 — let's get right into it.

The pork industry is raising alarms about New World Screwworm, according to Brownfield Ag News. The parasitic fly larva has historically been confined to Central and South America, but growing concern about potential spread into U.S. territory has producers watching closely. Screwworm infestations cause severe wounds in livestock and can be fatal if left untreated. The USDA maintains a screwworm eradication program, but an incursion into domestic swine operations would create significant biosecurity and animal welfare challenges. Producers in border states and those with outdoor or pasture-based operations are particularly focused on prevention measures and early detection protocols.

Over in Iowa, Pork Business is reporting that the state's pork industry is completing its final rounds of Pseudorabies Virus testing. The comprehensive testing effort demonstrates Iowa's readiness and years of preparation to maintain PRV-free status. Iowa has been PRV-free since 1989, and these final verification tests confirm the state's ongoing commitment to that certification. The testing validates the biosecurity infrastructure and herd management practices that have kept the state's multi-billion-dollar industry protected. These results matter for market access and trade standing, particularly with international buyers who require PRV-free documentation.

On the equipment side, AAF has introduced a new BioShield VXLA filter designed to reduce virus transmission in swine and poultry operations, according to The National Provisioner. The filter targets airborne pathogens moving through facility ventilation systems — a critical vulnerability point in intensive production environments. The technology uses electrostatic and mechanical filtration to capture viral particles before they circulate through barns. Both swine and poultry producers deal with respiratory viruses that spread through shared air, making this kind of environmental control tool increasingly relevant to herd and flock health strategies.

University of Kentucky researchers are investigating what they're calling a hidden crisis in modern pig production, per pmg-ky3.com. The research focuses on health and performance issues that aren't always visible in routine monitoring but affect productivity and animal welfare across grow-finish operations. The university team is working to identify root causes and develop practical interventions that farms can implement. Details on their specific findings are still emerging, but the work underscores ongoing attention to production efficiency challenges beyond traditional disease prevention.

The USDA is reminding travelers heading to World Cup matches to leave African Swine Fever behind — literally. The agency is warning that ASF can be inadvertently carried on clothing, shoes, equipment, and food products from infected regions. Even small amounts of contaminated material pose a biosecurity risk if introduced to U.S. swine farms. Travelers returning from countries where ASF is present should change clothes, clean gear, and avoid bringing any pork products back into the country. It's a straightforward but easy-to-overlook risk vector that the USDA continues to emphasize during major international events.

Up in Canada, the Alberta Pork Congress 2026 is set for Red Deer and promises to bring together innovation leaders and industry speakers, according to Farms.com. The congress will feature updates on production technology, market trends, and research affecting North American pork. For producers in border regions or those tracking broader continental industry developments, the event typically draws significant attendance and real-time networking opportunities.

Keep your biosecurity checklist current — lot of moving parts right now.