AASV: Where Swine Veterinarians Connect, Collaborate and Learn

AASV: Where Swine Veterinarians Connect, Collaborate and Learn

On this page:

• Turning Obstacles into Opportunities
• More Than Networking
• Supporting Producers with Animal Health

The American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) annual meeting helps NPB staff stay closely connected to the real-world challenges producers and veterinarians face every day. With the 2026 event taking place February 28-March 3 in Las Vegas, Nevada, the meeting provides opportunities for the National Pork Board (NPB) to be a voice for producers and their swine health challenges, share the work NPB is doing, and learn more about new advancements and insights about swine health.

Turning Obstacles into Opportunities

The 2026 meeting theme, "Turning Obstacles into Opportunities," and programming emphasize the importance of addressing challenges head-on and working toward practical solutions in endemic disease management, animal welfare, biosecurity, and leadership. Sessions also explore how emerging tools, including artificial intelligence, can enhance animal care and support better decision-making without replacing human expertise.

Several NPB swine health team members are sharing insights and perspectives related to NPB projects and producer input:

• National Swine Health Strategy: Dr. Meredith Petersen will share producer-driven swine health priorities and goals, helping veterinarians align their expertise with the industry's most pressing needs.
• AASV Swine Welfare Committee: Stephanie Wetter will present an update on NPB animal welfare programs and research priorities, including certification and audit programs, sow housing research, and catastrophic preparedness aligned with the updated American Veterinary Medical Association depopulation guidance.
• Biosecurity & Certified Swine Sample Collector (CSSC): Dr. Brent Pepin and Dr. Marisa Rotolo will co-present on biosecurity strategies and the role of the CSSC program in strengthening disease preparedness.
• Navigating Disruption Roundtable: Dr. Patrick Webb will participate in a panel on decision-making amid uncertainty, emphasizing how to assess challenges, adapt plans and remain resilient in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape.
• Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV): Dr. Marisa Rotolo will provide updates on the PEDV Clean Certification within U.S. SHIP and the road to potential PEDV elimination.
• Checkoff-Funded Research Spotlight: Findings from Pork Checkoff-funded research will be highlighted, demonstrating NPB's continued investment in science-based solutions for swine health.

More Than Networking

Each year, the AASV annual meeting brings together the majority of U.S. swine veterinarians in one location. The meeting fosters trusted relationships that can be called upon when specialized expertise is needed. The exchange of practical insights, updated research findings, and peer-to-peer connections is both valuable and essential to advancing the industry.

The event ensures veterinary professionals stay current on emerging health issues and disease challenges, enabling producers to receive the most timely and accurate information. This perspective is especially critical when informing decisions about the strategic use of Checkoff dollars to improve swine health.

This year's meeting also creates a valuable opportunity for NPB staff to connect with producers beyond the conference setting. Several team members will travel outside the Las Vegas city limits to visit a nearby pork producer focused on sustainability and the use of alternative feed sources to help reduce environmental impact.

Supporting Producers with Animal Health

Swine health remains a top priority for every pork producer. As Dr. Meredith Petersen, director of swine health at NPB, has said, "Raising healthy pigs is more fun, productive and profitable. Producers recognize that recruiting and retaining quality people in the industry is critical to success, and health has a huge impact on personnel experience as well as productivity of a farm."

Her message underscores an important truth: strong herd health programs support not only animal well-being, but also employee satisfaction, operational efficiency and long-term profitability. Producers do not have to navigate these challenges alone. The Pork Checkoff and its swine health team are dedicated to providing and creating resources and support to improve herd health.

To stay connected, follow @porkcheckoff on social media for updates from AASV and visit porkcheckoff.org to explore additional tools and resources designed to support your operation.