USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), working with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, has lifted movement restrictions in the 5-mile surveillance zone around a small commercial swine herd in Iowa after all premises completed the first round of testing with no further detections. 5-mile zone lifted followed confirmation of pseudorabies in the index herd on April 30, 2026, and cleanup and disinfection at the affected premises have been completed.
All animals from the Iowa index herd and the non-commercial source herd in Texas were depopulated and disposed of following the confirmed detection, and APHIS and state veterinarians say epidemiological investigations and diagnostic testing of exposed sites are ongoing. Officials report that no additional commercial sites have been identified as having direct exposure to the Iowa commercial site or the Texas source herd.
Movement restrictions remain in place for premises inside the 2-mile surveillance zone and for all herds with direct exposure, while authorities continue tracebacks and testing to identify any further spread. 2-mile zone restricted until the required follow-up testing is complete and negative results are returned.
Testing and timeline
Cleaning and disinfection of the affected Iowa premises were finished on May 12, 2026, and APHIS has scheduled the second round of testing for exposed herds and all swine premises inside the 2-mile zone to occur 30–60 days after that disinfection window. The second testing window is set for June 12–July 11, 2026, and movement restrictions for exposed herds and the 2-mile zone will remain until negative results from that round are confirmed. Testing June 12–July 11
APHIS and Iowa officials emphasize that the detection does not pose a risk to consumer health and does not affect the safety of the commercial pork supply, though there may be limited, short-term impacts on exports of live swine, swine genetics and certain animal products. USDA says it is working with trading partners to clarify and mitigate any trade effects.
Producer testing guidance
State and federal veterinarians urge producers to follow strict biosecurity measures to prevent introduction or spread of pseudorabies and other swine diseases, and to report suspect illness to veterinary authorities promptly. APHIS and IDALS thanked producers for cooperation and directed questions to local USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Area Offices.
Premises within the 2-mile surveillance zone and all exposed herds must complete the second round of testing during the June 12–July 11 window; movement restrictions will stay in effect until those results are negative.
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