By Jamie Martin
The Swine Spectacular 2026 is a professional veterinary education program created by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians to strengthen practical skills in pig medicine. This one-day training event offers focused learning for veterinarians who provide care for pigs in clinics and farm environments.
The program delivers seven hours of continuing veterinary education and emphasizes real-world learning. It is structured to answer common clinical questions while helping participants gain confidence in routine pig care procedures.
The day begins with a seminar session that introduces important concepts in individual pig health and preventive care. Topics include pig nutrition, housing systems, vaccination schedules, and daily management practices that support healthy growth and disease prevention.
In the afternoon, participants attend a wet lab session that offers hands-on training using both live pigs and cadavers. Under guided supervision, attendees practice essential procedures such as trimming hooves, administering medications, performing routine surgical techniques, and completing diagnostic evaluations and necropsies.
Additional learning areas include basic pharmacology and anesthesia use in pig medicine. These sessions help participants improve technical accuracy while promoting animal welfare and safe handling practices.
The workshop is suitable for veterinarians new to swine medicine, mixed-animal practitioners who see pigs as part of their service, and those working with pet, show, or hobby farm pigs. Veterinary students are also welcome to take part.
Registration includes all training sessions, meals, refreshments, and transportation between learning venues. To register, click on the link: https://ecom.aasv.org/order.php?AASV_Order_Form=WetLab. Attendance is limited, which supports personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The Swine Spectacular serves as a valuable educational start to a week focused on professional growth in veterinary medicine.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: National