DES MOINES, Iowa — A new round of independent research is giving pork producers another tool in the ongoing effort to protect the U.S. swine herd from some of the industry’s most serious disease threats.
McNess announced during the 2026 World Pork Expo that its FeedARMOR feed additive demonstrated strong effectiveness against a virus used by researchers to model African swine fever, a foreign animal disease that continues to be one of the biggest concerns for pork producers worldwide.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine evaluated the product using a surrogate virus that closely mimics African swine fever virus behavior in feed. According to the study, FeedARMOR reduced viable virus levels by 99.99 percent within one hour of treatment.
African swine fever has never been detected in the U.S. commercial swine herd, but industry leaders remain focused on prevention because there is currently no approved vaccine available domestically. Scientists have previously shown that viruses similar to ASF can survive in feed ingredients for months, creating concerns about contaminated feed entering production systems.
Industry experts say feed remains one potential pathway for disease introduction, making feed biosecurity an increasingly important part of herd health programs.
Additional university research has also expanded FeedARMOR’s list of tested pathogens. Separate trials conducted at the University of Minnesota found the product significantly reduced Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus, commonly known as PEDV, and lowered levels of H4N6 influenza under high-challenge testing conditions.
Company officials say the product is designed to be incorporated into feed at relatively low inclusion rates, allowing producers and feed mills to add another layer of protection without major changes to existing feed handling systems.
The company noted that the dry formulation is currently available, while a liquid version is expected to be introduced later this year.
As global animal disease concerns continue to shape biosecurity strategies, research into feed mitigation technologies is becoming a larger part of the conversation among pork producers, veterinarians and feed manufacturers looking to reduce disease risks before feed ever reaches the barn.
FeedARMOR was among several biosecurity focused technologies highlighted during this year’s World Pork Expo as the industry continues to strengthen defenses against foreign animal disease threats.