With the European pig sector under increasing pressure to improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact and antibiotic use, this year’s European Symposium of Porcine Health Management (ESPHM) will put a strong emphasis on how science and technology are being applied in practice.
The conference, which takes place in Florence from 13–15 May, event will bring together veterinarians, researchers and industry, with a strong focus on herd health, infectious disease and production efficiency.
Several sessions will explore how data is being used more routinely in swine production systems. Research includes computer vision tools to monitor conditions such as pleurisy, alongside modelling work analysing feed intake patterns to detect health or management issues earlier. Other studies will explore machine learning approaches to predict reproductive performance in gilts using growth and performance data.
Speakers will also present research on sensor-based monitoring, including tools that track activity, temperature and vocalisations to identify changes linked to disease or welfare issues. These approaches are expected to support earlier intervention, although questions remain around validation and practical deployment.
As well as topics around disease control – including vaccine performance and biosecurity practices, speakers will also cover topics around genetic approaches to improving herd health. Research to be presented at the conference has identified genomic regions associated with gut health and resilience, based on detailed clinical characterisation of 2,500 pigs. The aim is to incorporate these traits into breeding programmes, reducing reliance on treatment while maintaining productivity.
Environmental impact is another area under scrutiny. Work on circular production systems will highlight how manure and wastewater streams can be better managed, with estimates suggesting each pig produces between 4 and 8 litres of wastewater per day. Researchers will outline approaches to recover nutrients and reduce emissions, as pressure mounts on the sector to meet EU sustainability targets.
The programme also reflects a growing focus on how the industry communicates these changes. Sessions will address the gap between technical progress and public perception, with speakers expected to argue that improved transparency and communication are becoming increasingly important for maintaining trust.
ESPHM 2026 will take place at the Fortezza da Basso and is expected to attract participants from across Europe and beyond.
