Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says state and federal officials are taking swift action after confirmed cases of pseudorabies were found in swine herds in Iowa and Texas.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Iowa case involves a small commercial herd that recently received pigs from a Texas operation. Officials say that Texas herd had been housed outdoors, where it may have come into contact with feral swine—known carriers of the virus.
Pseudorabies was eliminated from U.S. commercial swine herds in 2004, but it continues to circulate in wild pig populations, posing an ongoing risk to domestic herds.
In a statement, Secretary Naig says Iowa is “moving decisively to eliminate the disease,” adding that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has spent years preparing for animal health events like this. He credits a coordinated response involving USDA APHIS, Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Diagnostic Laboratory, pork producers, and industry partners.
Naig also emphasized that the situation does not impact food safety. Pseudorabies is not a risk to consumers, and the nation’s pork supply remains safe and secure.
State officials stress the virus is not considered a public health concern. However, they remind consumers to always cook pork to proper temperatures.
Secretary Naig and State Veterinarian Dr. Jeff Kaisand will host a virtual media briefing this afternoon at 2 p.m.
Officials say they will continue monitoring the situation as response efforts move forward.