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The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast
Author: Wisenetix
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Description
Learn swine health from the brightest minds of the global swine industry – in 9 minutes.
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If you are a swine veterinarian who wants to stay up to date with all that is working in the industry, but doesn’t know how to start, doesn’t have the time, or feel most courses out there don’t deliver, then you have come to the right place.
*The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast* is specially designed by and for professionals just like yourself. With it, you can effortlessly have access to the thoughts of the most brilliant minds in our industry – all while going about your routine and saving your time.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are a swine veterinarian who wants to stay up to date with all that is working in the industry, but doesn’t know how to start, doesn’t have the time, or feel most courses out there don’t deliver, then you have come to the right place.
*The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast* is specially designed by and for professionals just like yourself. With it, you can effortlessly have access to the thoughts of the most brilliant minds in our industry – all while going about your routine and saving your time.
205 Episodes
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In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Ana Paula Silva, epidemiologist and research scientist at Iowa State University, explains how manure pumping and land application influence PRRS outbreak risk in grow finish systems. She shares findings on timing, proximity, and management strategies that affect disease spread. Learn how adjusting operational decisions can support better biosecurity outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Manure pumping events across grow finish systems showed a measurable increase in PRRS outbreak probability within five weeks, highlighting operational practices as critical disease drivers in commercial production environments."
Meet the guests: Dr. Ana Paula Silva https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-paula-serafini-poeta-silva-52bb9196/ is an epidemiologist and research scientist at Iowa State University, specializing in swine health, disease surveillance, and molecular epidemiology of bacterial pathogens. Her work focuses on PRRS dynamics, gilt acclimation, and biosecurity strategies in production systems. Her research supports practical decision making for disease prevention.
Click here to read the full research article: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1595313
Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!
https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(00:41) Introduction
(01:35) Study overview
(03:25) Farm selection
(04:43) PRRS focus
(06:00) Risk findings
(06:54) Seasonality control
(10:03) Closing thoughts
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
- Ralco (https://www.ralcoagriculture.com/)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Brian Richert from Purdue University and Dr. Russell Fent, Swine Technical Director at Ralco Nutrition, discuss research on phytonutrient feed additives in sow diets. They explore impacts on litter performance, birth weight distribution, gut health, and sow productivity. Results from a commercial sow farm study highlight improvements in piglet viability and sow reproductive efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!
“Building knowledge around phytonutrients required years of research because limited scientific information existed initially, requiring systematic development of data before identifying effective livestock applications.” - Dr. Russell Fent
Meet the guests:
Dr. Brian Richert is an Associate Professor of Animal Sciences at Purdue University, specializing in swine nutrition and management. His research focuses on improving sow productivity, litter performance, and nutrient utilization in commercial swine systems through applied nutrition and production management strategies.
Dr. Russell Fent https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-fent-737ba4a9/ is Swine Technical Director at Ralco Nutrition, where he leads research and technical support for nutrition technologies in swine production. His work focuses on phytonutrients, feed solutions, and practical strategies that support health, performance, and efficiency in commercial herds.
Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!
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What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(00:52) Introduction
(01:55) Phytonutrient research focus
(05:38) Commercial sow study
(06:23) Microbiome and samples
(07:18) Birth weight shift
(08:12) Gut health insights
(12:07) Closing thoughts
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
- Ralco (https://www.ralcoagriculture.com/)
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Mark Estienne, Professor and swine research physiologist at Virginia Tech, explains how a novel nitrogen management system improves barn air quality by reducing ammonia emissions. Lower ammonia levels enhanced nursery pig growth, feed intake, and early post-weaning performance, while supporting respiratory health and worker conditions. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Rooms using the treated system averaged about two parts per million ammonia compared with approximately six parts per million in control conditions."
Meet the guest: Dr. Mark Estienne earned his degrees in Animal Science from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. He is currently Professor and swine research physiologist at Virginia Tech’s Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center. His research focuses on management and nutrition strategies to improve sow reproduction and nursery pig performance.
Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!
https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(00:55) Introduction
(01:52) Nitrogen system overview
(04:45) Ammonia reduction results
(06:10) Growth performance data
(07:11) Post-weaning impact
(08:14) Respiratory indicators
(11:33) Final Questions
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
Pancopia™ (https://www.pancopia.com/)
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
- Ralco (https://www.ralcoagriculture.com/)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Emma Helm, Research Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech, explains how Lawsonia intracellularis infection alters the swine gut microbiota and microbial metabolism. She shares findings on microbial shifts, nucleotide synthesis, amino acid biosynthesis, and impacts on feed efficiency. Learn practical insights on biomarkers, nutrition strategies, and vaccination programs. Listen now on all major platforms!
"If a pig does not have any resident microbiota, classic colitis induced by Lawsonia intracellularis cannot develop, showing a required interaction with the resident microbiota."
Meet the guest: Dr. Emma Helm https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-helm15/ is a Research Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech. She earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from Iowa State University, focusing on swine intestinal integrity, function, and skeletal muscle metabolism during pathogenic challenges. Her research explores biological mechanisms that define swine physiology, especially intestinal development and stress responses.
Click here to read the full research article: https://doi.org/10.1186/s42523-025-00501-0
Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!
https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(00:36) Introduction
(01:41) Lawsonia overview
(02:37) Microbiota interaction
(04:29) Challenge model results
(07:35) Metabolic shifts
(09:53) Farm application
(11:22) Final Questions
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
- Ralco (https://www.ralcoagriculture.com/)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Brent Pepin from the National Pork Board explains how New World screwworm awareness fits into broader foreign animal disease preparedness. He outlines key clinical signs, response expectations, and the value of strong traceability systems. Learn practical steps producers can take to strengthen readiness across swine operations. Listen now on all major platforms.
"New World screwworm pressure highlights the need for continuous attention to threats that can influence livestock movement and overall agricultural stability."
Meet the guest: Dr. Brent Pepin https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-pepin-dvm-ms-7988066b/ is a swine health veterinarian and researcher serving as Director of Swine Health at the National Pork Board, where he leads national traceability efforts and secure pork supply initiatives. His background spans commercial practice, research, and swine disease mitigation.
Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!
https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(00:55) Introduction
(02:12) New World Screwworm
(03:45) Action plan
(06:45) Detection challenges
(07:35) Traceability role
(09:25) Cattle proximity
(14:48) Closing thoughts
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
- Ralco (https://www.ralcoagriculture.com/)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this special episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, marking International Women’s Day, Dr. Andreia Arruda, Associate Professor at The Ohio State University, discusses foreign animal disease preparedness in Puerto Rico. She explains outreach workshops, tabletop exercises, and biosecurity planning tailored to small swine farms. The conversation highlights disposal challenges, resource gaps, and the importance of collaboration to protect U.S. swine health. Listen now on all major platforms.
"Puerto Rico, as a U.S. territory located near Caribbean regions affected by African swine fever, holds critical importance in protecting national swine health status and disease prevention efforts."
Meet the guest: Dr. Andreia Arruda https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreiaarruda/ earned her DVM from São Paulo State University in Brazil, her MS from the University of Minnesota, and her PhD in Veterinary Preventive Medicine from the University of Guelph. She is an Associate Professor at The Ohio State University, focusing on epidemiology, biosecurity, and foreign animal disease preparedness in swine systems.
Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!
https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(00:38) Introduction
(01:26) Puerto Rico risk
(03:17) Biosecurity workshops
(06:02) Tabletop exercise
(07:39) Disposal challenges
(10:22) Resource gaps
(11:49) Final Questions
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
- Ralco (https://www.ralcoagriculture.com/)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Rodrigo Paiva, PhD candidate and anatomic pathology resident at Iowa State University, discusses a rare and unique case of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigs. The conversation explores why this organism is a concern for swine health but not a food safety risk in U.S. commercial pork production. Dr. Paiva explains diagnostic findings, risk factors, and the importance of biosecurity. Listen now on all major platforms.
"There is zero concern in terms of pork safety in the United States, and attention should be directed toward farms and veterinarians who support those production systems."
Meet the guest: Dr. Rodrigo Paiva https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigo-paiva-09364355/ is a DVM, MBA, and MS, currently a PhD candidate and anatomic pathology resident at Iowa State University. His work focuses on swine health, diagnostic pathology, and disease prevention, with experience spanning commercial production, breeding systems, and laboratory diagnostics.
Click here to learn more: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10406387251384994
Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!
https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(00:57) Introduction
(02:19) Food safety context
(04:29) Case history
(07:22) Pathology findings
(08:22) Treatment limits
(10:27) Prevention focus
(11:42) Closing thoughts
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Aaron Lower from Carthage Veterinary Service walks through the mechanism of diarrhea caused by E. coli and how this pathogen has changed over time. He explains how to teach barn teams to diagnose outbreaks earlier and why feed removal can be an effective treatment option during acute breaks. Learn how timely intervention can change outcomes in the nursery. Listen now on all major platforms.
"One of the first things that I think is really important is being sure that a team recognizes that they are having an outbreak."
Meet the guest: Dr. Aaron Lower https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-lower-00b6799/ earned his DVM and Animal Sciences degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He serves as President and Veterinarian at Carthage Veterinary Service, providing swine health and production consulting across the Midwest.
Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!
https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(00:54) Introduction
(02:06) E coli challenge
(03:34) Outbreak severity
(04:11) Diagnosis signs
(05:19) Disease biology
(09:44) Recovery results
(11:46) Closing thoughts
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Sarah Boelke from the University of Minnesota Extension explains how to organize and conduct Certified Swine Sample Collector (CSSC) trainings. She outlines why CSSC programs are critical for foreign animal disease response and how non-veterinarians can support veterinarians during high-demand events. The discussion focuses on program standards, logistics, and hands-on execution at the farm level. Listen now on all major platforms.
"The first thing that people should do is look at the certified swine sample collector program standards, which are available on the Secure Pork Supply website."
Meet the guest: Sarah Schieck Boelke is a University of Minnesota Extension Swine Educator based in Willmar, Minnesota. Her work focuses on livestock education, producer training, and preparedness planning for swine health challenges. She has coordinated certified swine sample collection trainings to support disease response capacity across the Midwest.
Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!
https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(01:11) Introduction
(02:31) Program purpose
(03:41) Training standards
(05:38) Resource access
(07:22) Time planning
(09:04) Training tips
(11:38) Closing thoughts
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Matheus Costa from the University of Saskatchewan explains the science behind ear necrosis in pigs. He breaks down how stress, behavior, and a specific infectious agent interact to drive disease development. The discussion highlights breakthrough research that finally reproduces ear necrosis under controlled conditions. Learn what this means for prevention, intervention strategies, and future immunization protocols. Listen now on all major platforms.
"We started seeing a lot of producers complaining about growth rates whenever a batch got affected by ear necrosis."
Meet the guest: Dr. Matheus Costa https://www.linkedin.com/in/pigvet/ is an Associate Professor of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan and an Adjunct Professor at Utrecht University. His research focuses on preventing infectious diseases in pigs, improving animal welfare, and advancing swine production systems. Dr. Costa studies disease mechanisms, behavior, and intervention strategies to reduce antimicrobial use.
Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!
https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(00:49) Introduction
(01:19) Guest background
(02:25) Multifactorial disease
(05:39) Performance impact
(07:01) Infectious trigger
(11:16) Behavior role
(15:46) Closing thoughts
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
- Elanco (https://www.elanco.com/us)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jessica Risser from Elanco explains new research leveraging artificial intelligence to evaluate PRRSV strains using whole-genome data. She explains how challenge studies, host immune responses, and sequencing data inform a model that predicts how emerging strains may behave. Discover what this work means for PRRS management and future decision-making in swine health. Listen now on all major platforms.
"We've spent several years figuring out where artificial intelligence tools can help the industry better predict how emerging PRRSV strains may behave, providing faster insights for stronger herd health decisions."
Meet the guest: Dr. Jessica Risser https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-risser-349a04b3/ is a Swine Technical Consultant at Elanco and previously spent a decade managing animal health and welfare for Country View Family Farms and Clemens Food Group. She holds a DVM from North Carolina State University and a biochemistry degree from West Virginia University. Her work focuses on applying data and technology to strengthen decision-making in swine health.
Click here to learn more: https://www.aasv.org/10.54846/am2025/45/
Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!
https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(00:56) Introduction
(02:36) AI for PRRSV
(04:33) Host immune insights
(04:53) Genome sequencing
(06:42) Prediction model building
(08:41) Model validation
(15:21) Closing thoughts
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
- Elanco (https://www.elanco.com/us)
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Ben Blair from the University of Illinois explains how AI is reshaping disease modeling, real-time monitoring, and data interpretation in swine health. He breaks down practical tools producers can use today, the challenges behind data quality, and how other industries guide the future of AI in livestock systems. Tune in now on all major platforms.
"AI is allowing computers to detect patterns that traditional analysis often misses, especially when large and complex datasets overwhelm manual interpretation."
Meet the guest: Dr. Ben Blair https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-blair-233531192/ is an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, with expertise in computational disease modeling and AI applications for livestock systems. His background spans veterinary medicine, engineering, consulting, and advanced research focused on improving decision-making in swine health.
Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!
https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(00:39) Introduction
(01:09) Guest background
(03:23) AI fundamentals
(08:36) Computer vision
(09:55) Industry examples
(11:50) AI challenges
(15:59) Closing thoughts
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
- Elanco (https://www.elanco.com/us)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Nicholas Lauterbach from Pharmgate Animal Health explains the impact of PRRSV and why it remains one of the most costly diseases for pork producers. The discussion focuses on the efficacy of a modified live immunization strategy during a 1-4-4 L1C PRRSV challenge, using a study designed to reflect real-world production conditions. Results highlight differences in viral circulation, growth performance, and mortality under lateral challenge pressure. Listen now on all major platforms!
"The lineage 1-4-4 L1C is one of, if not the most commonly found PRRSV strain today, while also causing some of the most drastic clinical signs."
Meet the guest: Dr. Nicholas Lauterbach https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-lauterbach-b1b41913a/ earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University and has worked extensively in commercial swine systems across the Midwest. He previously served as a senior veterinarian for Smithfield Foods and currently leads technical services at Pharmgate Animal Health. His work focuses on applied swine health research, PRRSV management strategies, and field-relevant immunization strategies.
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https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(01:04) Introduction
(01:29) Guest background
(02:15) PRRSV challenge
(05:27) Trial design
(07:51) Results insights
(09:49) Immunization outcomes
(14:41) Closing thoughts
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
Pharmgate (https://pharmgate.com/)
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
- Elanco (https://www.elanco.com/us)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Abbey Canon, Director of Public Health and Communications at the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, shares insights into developing and supporting early-career swine veterinarians. She discusses mentorship, education, and professional growth through the Early-Career Committee’s initiatives and USDA-funded training programs. Learn how building peer networks strengthens the next generation of swine veterinarians. Listen now on all major platforms!
"The Early-Career Committee is charged with identifying and then trying to provide resources for those early-career vets, roughly less than ten years post-graduation."
Meet the guest: Dr. Abbey Canon https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbey-canon-8305144b/ serves as the Director of Public Health and Communications at the American Association of Swine Veterinarians. With a background in veterinary public health, field epidemiology, and swine medicine, she leads initiatives that enhance education, mentorship, and communication within the profession.
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https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(00:28) Introduction
(01:39) Mentorship and education
(03:30) Early-career committee goals
(06:47) Training program funding
(07:38) Key learning topics
(13:32) Program outcomes
(15:51) Closing thoughts
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
- Elanco (https://www.elanco.com/us)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this special New Year episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Thomas Gillespie from Performance Health P.C. explores how mentorship shapes growth, confidence, and decision-making in swine veterinary practice. He reflects on the experiences that guided his career, the value of thoughtful support, and the skills veterinarians can strengthen to help others succeed. Gain a perspective on building meaningful professional relationships in the year ahead. Listen now on all major platforms.
"Offering support, guidance, and steady feedback creates conditions that encourage growth and strengthen decision making during demanding stages of veterinary practice."
Meet the guest: Dr. Thomas Gillespie https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-gillespie-10407a1a/ earned his DVM from Purdue University and built a decades-long career focused on swine health, practice ownership, and global consulting. His work spans epidemiology, production medicine, and leadership within AASV, including service as president and long-term committee involvement. He brings extensive experience mentoring veterinarians as they navigate complex professional decisions.
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https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(00:37) Introduction
(03:23) Mentorship meaning
(04:15) Career influences
(06:15) Time management
(12:22) Listening skills
(13:26) Guiding decisions
(16:05) Closing thoughts
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
- Elanco (https://www.elanco.com/us)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Elisa De Conti, research assistant at Iowa State University and member of the FieldEpi team, explains how E. coli detection is being improved under real field conditions. She discusses diagnostic workflows, virulence factor identification, and how field data integration enhances the understanding of pathogenic isolates. Discover how these advances strengthen swine health monitoring and decision-making. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Once you have the PCR done, we can see which virulence factors are present and understand if that isolate can cause disease."
Meet the guest: Dr. Elisa De Conti https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-de-conti/?originalSubdomain=br is a research assistant at Iowa State University and part of the FieldEpi team. She completed her DVM in Brazil and finalized her M.S. studying E. coli detection, now pursuing a Ph.D. on PRRSV with a focus on field epidemiology. Her work connects diagnostic data and field-level applications for improved swine health monitoring.
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https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(00:53) Introduction
(01:57) E. coli diagnostics
(03:08) Virulence factor testing
(04:46) Pathotype classification
(06:37) Surveillance data trends
(09:05) Meta-analysis findings
(13:37) Closing thoughts
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
- Elanco (https://www.elanco.com/us)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jishu Shi from Kansas State University explains the latest scientific outlook on African swine fever and why vaccine development remains a major global challenge. She clarifies the differences among swine fevers, the limits of current immunization protocols, and the diagnostic risks producers must watch for. Listen now on all major platforms!
"African swine fever and classical swine fever present similar clinical signs even though the viruses differ greatly in biology and long-term control implications."
Meet the guest: Dr. Jishu Shi https://www.linkedin.com/in/jishu-shi-2606a817/ is a Professor and Director of the Center on Biologics Development and Evaluation at Kansas State University, specializing in vaccine immunology for major swine diseases. With experience in both academia and the animal health industry, she focuses on developing novel vaccines and diagnostic assays for classical swine fever and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome.
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https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(00:57) Introduction
(01:24) Guest background
(02:20) ASF overview
(04:02) Vaccine issues
(06:44) Mutation concerns
(11:54) Diagnostic needs
(13:53) Closing insights
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
- Elanco (https://www.elanco.com/us)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Marie-Louise Hansen from the University of Copenhagen discusses her research on umbilical outpouchings in pigs. She explains their prevalence, pathology, and the challenges they pose for animal welfare and production. Dr. Hansen also shares insights from intervention trials and future directions for research. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Umbilical outpouchings remain a significant challenge in swine herds because they are not only hernias but also abscesses, cysts, and tissue proliferations."
Meet the guest: Dr. Marie-Louise Hansen https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-louise-hansen-7234922b/ is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Copenhagen and a veterinarian with extensive field and research experience. Her PhD work focused on umbilical outpouchings in pigs, investigating their prevalence, pathology, and potential prevention methods. She brings valuable insights into swine health challenges that impact production and welfare.
Click here to learn more: https://porcinehealthmanagement.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40813-024-00411-8
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https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(00:47) Introduction
(01:49) Umbilical outpouchings
(03:19) Research insights
(04:50) Pathology evaluation
(07:27) Management strategies
(10:05) Gender differences
(13:23) Closing thoughts
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
- Elanco (https://www.elanco.com/us)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Chris Rademacher from Iowa State University discusses integrated pest management and its impact on swine health. He explains how insect infestations can quickly damage carcass value, the role of surveillance and entomology, and how producers can prevent costly outbreaks. Learn practical steps for environmental management, chemical control, and proactive strategies. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Insect carcass infestations can cause up to 7 or $15 per carcass of damage when it's really bad."
Meet the guest: Dr. Chris Rademacher https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-rademacher-08220321/ serves as a Clinical Professor, ISU Swine Extension Veterinarian, and Associate Director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center. With decades of experience in swine health and production, he focuses on practical solutions for disease prevention and management.
Click here to learn more: https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/farm-environment/animals-and-livestock/ipic209a.html
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https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(00:26) Introduction
(01:46) Insect management
(03:26) Carcass damage
(05:46) Pest surveillance
(07:46) Environmental control
(09:33) Chemical strategies
(14:56) Closing thoughts
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
- Elanco (https://www.elanco.com/us)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493
In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Rick Hernandez from Purdue University discusses the challenges of transporting pigs and how microclimate conditions impact welfare and productivity. He shares research findings on heat stress, ventilation, and why standardized measures are needed to better monitor transport conditions. Learn about practical solutions and future technologies to safeguard swine health during transport. Listen now on all major platforms!
"If you look at the physiological indicators after transportation, you're going to find higher creatine kinase, higher blood lactate, higher skin temperature, and blood cortisol."
Meet the guest: Rick Hernandez https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickohernandez/?locale=en_US , a veterinarian from Colombia, is a PhD candidate at Purdue University specializing in swine welfare and genetics. His research explores welfare challenges across farms, transport, and slaughter, focusing on practical strategies to improve both animal well-being and production outcomes. Dedicated to applied science, he works to make research accessible for producers, veterinarians, and caretakers.
Click here to learn more: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1657185/full
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https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt
What you will learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(00:50) Introduction
(02:14) Pig transport stress
(04:41) Microclimate impact
(04:29) Welfare indicators
(08:18) Standardized measures
(11:04) Ventilation solutions
(13:45) Closing thoughts
The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:
* Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/)
- Elanco (https://www.elanco.com/us)
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493























