China’s sow herd declined for the first time in nearly two years, contracting 0.5% in July from the previous month, state media said, after a plunge in hog prices pushed many farmers to get rid of unproductive sows.

By creating accurate case definitions and sampling protocols, veterinarians are more likely to successfully detect pathogens and identify treatment options for enteric disease control, said Eric Burrough, DVM.

Prop 12 specified that by Jan. 1, pork sold in California will have to meet higher standards of animal welfare. Hog producers in the Midwest especially are concerned, with one CEO predicting pork price increases of 50%.

JBS says it seeks opportunities for acquisitions and expansion, but two U.S. senators are calling on the U.S. Treasury Secretary to open an investigation into the Brazilian meatpacker.

Shipping issues continue to surface. The latest is in China’s Ningbo-Zhoushan container port, which is the third-busiest in the world, and has been partially shut down for six days, with no sign of reopening yet.

In an effort to help employers protect workers from COVID-19, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued updated guidance for meat industry workers, among others.