USDA Confirms Pseudorabies in Swine Herds in Iowa and Texas

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5. USDA Confirms Pseudorabies in Swine Herds in Iowa and Texas

USDA Confirms Pseudorabies in Swine Herds in Iowa and Texas

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Washington, D.C., April 30, 2026-Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed via ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and latex agglutination testing (LAT) a detection of antibodies to pseudorabies virus (PRV) in a small commercial swine facility in Iowa. This confirmation was a result of routine testing, not pre-movement surveillance.

Initial traceback indicates that the five affected boars came from an outdoor facility in Texas. Animals from that herd also tested positive for pseudorabies. APHIS is working with officials in Iowa and Texas to expand traceback efforts and identify any additional potential exposures.

This marks the first known case of pseudorabies in commercial swine since 2004, when it was eradicated from the commercial swine industry. PRV is still prevalent in feral swine populations in the U.S. and there is occasional spillover of infection to outdoor production herds where contact with feral swine is possible. APHIS is working closely with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Texas Animal Health Commission to conduct traceback to better understand the detection and prevent further spread.

This detection does not pose a risk to consumer health or affect the safety of the commercial pork supply. There may be limited, short-term impacts on exports of U.S. swine and/or swine genetics. Pseudorabies is a contagious viral disease of livestock and other mammals. However, pigs are the only natural hosts. While pseudorabies virus can infect most mammals, humans, horses, and birds are considered resistant.