U.S. officials said two small swine herds tested positive for pseudorabies, prompting Canada and Mexico to impose targeted export restrictions on certain pork products. The detections involved animals traced to operations in Iowa and Texas herds, and both trading partners notified U.S. authorities of measures affecting specific commodity flows. APHIS is coordinating with exporters and import authorities as the situation develops.
Canada has limited its action to a ban on pig snouts while the USDA is withholding health certificates for certain non-food swine materials. Specifically, APHIS says it will not issue export health certificates at this time for raw inedible swine byproducts, untreated swine blood products and raw swine manure. The agency also clarified that edible pork, pig ears and raw pet food containing pork products are not considered transmission risks and may continue to move in export channels.
Mexico has placed restrictions on a set of four product categories and is negotiating details with U.S. officials through SENASICA and APHIS. The affected items include porcine viscera, porcine offal, porcine offal/tissues unfit for human or animal consumption, and porcine raw materials for use in pet food. APHIS says it will update import regulation listings (I-Regs) as these discussions progress, and exporters should stay in contact with foreign buyers to confirm product eligibility; Canada bans pig snouts and Mexico restricts four products.
Transmission and trace
Pseudorabies spreads primarily pig-to-pig through direct contact with an infected, virus-shedding animal and can move on contaminated equipment, boots, clothing or via breeding. APHIS reports the Iowa facility had recently received animals from the Texas herd, and the Texas site had outdoor housing with potential contact with feral swine. Because wild or feral swine can harbor the virus, investigators are using tracebacks and biosecurity checks to limit further spread.
USDA officials say the immediate commercial pork supply remains safe for consumers and that any trade effects are expected to be limited and short term. APHIS warned there could be constrained exports of certain swine products and, in some cases, impacts to movements of live swine or genetics depending on trading-partner decisions. The agency is posting updates and encourages exporters to check I-Regs frequently for the latest eligibility and certification guidance.
Exporters are advised to work directly with importers to determine whether specific products meet destination-country requirements and to monitor APHIS notices for changes. APHIS will continue updating the I-Regs as more information is clarified and confirmed.
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