Pseudo-Rabies Detected in U.S. Commercial Swine Herd

Officials say the virus is not a food safety risk and does not affect humans

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.

Related Stories
Removing the 40% duty sharply lowers U.S. beef import costs on beef, coffee, fertilizer and fruit, and restores Brazil’s competitiveness during a period of tight domestic supply.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer explains the USDA’s Stage Two Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, including application details, deadlines, and guidance for rural producers.
CattleCon 2026 kicks off February 3 in Nashville. Kristin Torres with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association joined RFD-TV to share more about what’s ahead at this year’s event.
Mary-Thomas Hart, with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, discusses the latest WOTUS developments and their implications for agriculture.
Cattle and hog supplies continue to tighten while dairy output expands, creating a split outlook in which red-meat prices soften and milk values come under pressure from larger supplies.
With feed supplies running tight, producers can tap into some creative options, according to University of Pennsylvania Veterinarian and Professor Dr. Joe Bender.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Researchers say stronger rootstocks are helping growers fight citrus greening.
Culver’s is holding its annual “Scoops of Thanks Day” event, offering a scoop of frozen custard in exchange for a $1 donation supporting agricultural education.
Industry leaders say overseas markets remain critical as USDA pushes for broader export opportunities.
The Natchitoches facility is raising endangered species while supporting conservation efforts across the region.
The new initiative is helping agricultural leaders strengthen their advocacy and leadership skills.
The Overstreet family’s cattle operation combines conservation practices with decades of resilience.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.