DES MOINES, IOWA (RFD News) — Animal health officials are warning that a previously eliminated swine disease has reappeared in the U.S. commercial herd.
Iowa agriculture officials say pseudo-rabies has been detected at a small commercial swine facility. The virus is highly contagious and often fatal in pigs, but despite its name, it is not rabies and does not impact humans.
Officials say the affected pigs recently came from a herd in Texas. The herd was housed outdoors, and investigators believe the virus was likely transmitted through contact with feral swine, where the disease still exists.
Pseudo-rabies was eliminated from the U.S. commercial herd in 2004, though it has continued to circulate in wild hog populations.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says there is no risk to consumers, noting that pork remains safe to eat and the virus does not present a food safety concern.
Industry leaders argue the decision could disrupt confidence in conservation practices and increase regulatory uncertainty for producers across the region.
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