Final tests show hog virus threat in Iowa was eliminated

Pseudorabies outbreak is eradicated

The pseudorabies outbreak that threatened the U.S.'s largest pork-producing state has ended, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture.

Final tests show hog virus threat in Iowa was eliminated

State officials say a highly-contagious pig virus has been contained and eradicated. In April, the USDA confirmed five boars shipped from Texas to a central Iowa farm had pseudorabies, which can be fatal for hogs. The infected herds were euthanized. The final round of tests for the virus within a surveillance zone came back negative. […]

Secretary Naig Confirms Iowa’s completion of USDA pseudorabies response protocol | Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig confirmed today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has successfully completed the Pseudorabies (PRV) response protocol outlined in the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (USDA APHIS) program standards. The second round of testing did not reveal any additional cases, confirming the Pseudorabies virus did not spread. “Thanks to a strong, coordinated effort, this situation has been resolved, and we were able to successfully contain and eradicate the Pseudorabies virus from Iowa. I appreciate the support of our partners who were instrumental in helping us mount a swift and effective response, and to the affected producers and local veterinarians for fully cooperating and completing testing in a timely manner,” said Secretary Naig. “This situation is a great reminder that we must always be prepared to respond to animal health threats and can never get complacent in our efforts to keep these diseases out of our herds. As Secretary, I will continue to protect Iowa’s livestock industry and the livelihoods of our hard-working farm families.” Less than 10 swine production facilities remained under quarantine following the detection of Pseudorabies virus in a small commercial swine facility on April 30, 2026. The affected swine farms have completed their second round of Pseudorabies testing; all tests were negative and the quarantined farms have been released. Producers within the control area can now resume routine animal movements. IDALS has completed the eradication process according to the USDA’s program standards, allowing Iowa and the U.S. to retain its Pseudorabies disease-free trade status. Pseudorabies does not pose a risk to human health or food safety. Properly prepared pork remains safe to eat.

Quarantines lifted as Iowa declared free of pseudorabies

Iowa’s top ag official says the state has successfully eradicated pseudorabies. Secretary Mike Naig with the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship tells Brownfield there was a strong, coordinated response to the late April detection of the virus at a small commercial swine facility. “We did the final round of testing that was required by […] The post Quarantines lifted as Iowa declared free of pseudorabies appeared first on Brownfield A…

Iowa successfully contains and eradicates pseudorabies outbreak after testing

Affected farms all tested negative, triggering the lift of the quarantine.

State officials say a highly-contagious pig virus has been contained and eradicated

State officials say a highly-contagious pig virus has been contained and eradicated. In April, the U-S-D-A confirmed five boars shipped from Texas to a central Iowa farm had pseudorabies, which can be fatal for hogs. The infected herds were euthanized. The final round of tests for the virus within a surveillance zone came back negative. Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig says responding to animal health threats requires coordination across his departme…