Pseudorabies Response Update: Iowa Lifts Remaining Restrictions; United States Is Again Free of Pseudorabies in Commercial Swine

Following the April 30, 2026, confirmation of pseudorabies in a small, commercial swine herd in Iowa, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in coordination with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), released all movement restrictions within the 2-mile surveillance zone surrounding the affected premises on June 12, 2026. All swine premises within the 2-mile zone completed required surveillance testing with no further detections. Following depopulation, disposal, cleaning and disinfection, and a 30-day fallow period, the affected premises is no longer under quarantine.

With these actions complete, APHIS has submitted a final report to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) closing out this detection in Iowa, which means the United States has again achieved freedom from pseudorabies in commercial swine.

Pseudorabies is a contagious viral disease of pigs. Although the virus can infect most mammals, humans, horses, and birds are considered resistant.

The April detection in Iowa did not pose a risk to consumer health or affect the safety of the commercial pork supply. APHIS continues to work with trading partners to remove pseudorabies-related restrictions on U.S. swine exports of commercial swine and swine germplasm. APHIS and IDALS appreciate producer cooperation throughout this response and encourage continued adherence to strong biosecurity practices.