The 28th International Pig Veterinary Society (IPVS) Congress, held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, brought together researchers, veterinarians, industry representatives and policymakers from around the world to discuss the latest advances in pig health, disease prevention and sustainable livestock production. As one of the leading global scientific events for the swine sector, the congress provided an important platform to exchange knowledge on the major challenges affecting pig production, including antimicrobial stewardship and African Swine Fever (ASF).
Throughout the scientific programme, African Swine Fever remained one of the most prominent topics. Scientific sessions, technical presentations and expert discussions focused on recent advances in disease surveillance, vaccine development and control strategies, reflecting the growing international commitment to tackling one of the most devastating diseases affecting pig populations worldwide.
Among the initiatives attracting significant attention was VAX4ASF (New Technologies for African Swine Fever Vaccines), the Horizon Europe project coordinated by HIPRA. Bringing together 17 partners from Europe, Africa and the United Kingdom, VAX4ASF is advancing the development of innovative vaccine technologies, companion DIVA diagnostic tests and improved epidemiological and control strategies to support the future management of African Swine Fever. As project coordinator, HIPRA plays a central role in bringing together scientific excellence from across the consortium to accelerate research and deliver innovative solutions against ASF.
Sharing scientific expertise to address global pig health challenges
In addition to its role in coordinating VAX4ASF, HIPRA actively contributed to the congress through its scientific programme.
One of the highlights was the satellite symposium “Beyond Gut Health: Strategies to Unlock Piglet Performance”, jointly delivered by Dr Edgar Garcia Manzanilla, Head of Pig and Poultry Research at Teagasc, and Dr Emili Barba Vidal, Global Pipeline Manager at HIPRA.
The session explored innovative approaches to improving piglet health while reducing antibiotic use, one of the main priorities for the global swine industry. Discussions focused on maintaining productivity through enhanced disease prevention strategies, with particular attention given to the concept of Verotoxigenic Associated Diseases (VAD), an emerging approach that aims to strengthen immunity and improve piglet performance while reducing reliance on antibiotics.
These discussions reflected a broader shift within animal health towards preventive strategies that improve animal welfare, support farm productivity and contribute to the responsible use of antimicrobials.
International collaboration driving progress against African Swine Fever
Beyond the symposium, African Swine Fever continued to be a recurring theme throughout the congress. Researchers from around the world shared the latest scientific advances in vaccine development, diagnostics, virus epidemiology and disease control, illustrating both the complexity of ASF and the importance of international cooperation to address it effectively.
For VAX4ASF, participation in this global scientific environment reinforces the value of collaborative research in accelerating progress towards safe and effective solutions against ASF. The project combines expertise in virology, immunology, vaccine development, diagnostics, epidemiology and policy to develop an integrated approach that goes beyond vaccine research alone.
As coordinator of VAX4ASF, HIPRA is helping to lead this international research effort by fostering collaboration between research organisations, veterinary institutes and industry partners. The exchanges held during IPVS 2026 demonstrated how scientific partnerships are essential for translating research into practical solutions that can strengthen animal health and improve the resilience of pig production worldwide.
Reflecting on the discussions held during the congress, Dr Emili Barba Vidal, Global Pipeline Manager at HIPRA, emphasised the close connection between the two major health priorities discussed during the event:
“The discussions held during IPVS clearly reflected two of the most significant health challenges facing pig production worldwide today: antibiotic reduction and African Swine Fever. At HIPRA, we are actively focusing in both areas, advancing innovative solutions that help producers improve animal health and productivity while supporting a more sustainable future for the swine industry.”
His remarks captured one of the central messages emerging from IPVS 2026: advancing animal health requires innovation, scientific excellence and strong international collaboration.
For HIPRA, the congress represented an opportunity not only to contribute to scientific debate but also to reinforce the international visibility of VAX4ASF within the global veterinary community. As the project continues to progress, events such as IPVS remain essential for strengthening partnerships, exchanging knowledge and ensuring that scientific advances contribute to practical solutions capable of protecting animal health, supporting sustainable pig production and improving preparedness against African Swine Fever.