In the press – Swine in Minnesota

Vaccines developed with pig models hold the key to tackling the global threat of flu

As the world continues to grapple with evolving infectious diseases, scientists are increasingly turning to pigs in the fight against influenza.

A team of international researchers, including experts from the University of Minnesota, believes treatments and vaccines that prove effective in pigs are more likely to succeed in humans compared to those developed using traditional small-animal models.

2028 IPVS Congress location changing; Minneapolis will now host in 2030

The organizing committee for the 2028 International Pig Veterinary Society (IPVS) is postponing the organization of the event in Minneapolis. While Minneapolis was originally selected as the host city, the committee determined that shifting the U.S. hosting opportunity to 2030 would better accommodate the needs of all attendees.

The IPVS Board is working on securing a new host country for the 2028 event and will announce its selection at the upcoming 2026 Congress, set for June 16–19 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

How CVM researchers are tackling a devastating swine virus

Dr. Corzo presenting on a stage to a crowd — Cesar Corzo, director of the Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Program, presents PRRSV research at a conference.

For decades, veterinarians and producers have struggled to contain porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV).

The highly pathogenic swine virus mutates rapidly, making control a moving target. Pigs infected with PRRSV suffer from high morbidity and mortality rates. Even those who live endure difficulty breathing, fever, and loss of appetite. Today, the disease affects as many as half of all swine breeding farms in the United States. It’s the most costly issue the swine industry faces.

First time win: A University of Minnesota student takes the Morrison Swine Innovator Prize

*2025 Morrison Swine Innovator Prize winner Kaydance Hinn (right) and Dr. Perle Zhitnitskiy, CVM professor and coordinator of the competition.*

St. Paul, Minn.—Kaydance Hinn, a first-year student at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, received the 2025 Morrison Swine Innovator Prize, an award given to veterinary students who want to make a difference in swine health and production.

University of Minnesota Swine Group in the Press

The Swine Group here at the University has been featured in a number of publications this and last month! Here are a few in case you missed them!