Zoetis Satellite Symposium at APVS highlighted sustainability, innovation in Asian swine market
During APVS in Japan, Zoetis presented health management, diagnostics and adaptive vaccination strategies to support the Asian swine production
22 January 2026
7 minute read
By: The Zoetis Satellite Symposium at the Asian Pig Veterinary Society (APVS) Congress took place in Fukuoka, Japan, on November 10, 2025. The event focused on advancing swine health and sustainability through innovations in production, surveillance, and epidemiology. Participants were welcomed to a gathering dedicated to progressing the Asian swine industry amid rapid growth and evolving challenges.
Sessions were moderated by Dr. Choewkong Mah (Zoetis Inc.), and they addressed the pursuit of sustainable excellence in pig production, emphasizing the reduction of variability and the improvement of quality processes — crucial for meeting Asia’s diverse consumer demands and quality standards. Experts discussed practical approaches to PRRSV surveillance at multiple levels, highlighting the importance of robust monitoring systems in a region characterized by high-density farming and frequent animal movement.
Insights into the molecular epidemiology of PCV2 underscored the impact of genetic diversity on disease control and vaccine effectiveness, a key concern given Asia’s varied production systems and biosecurity hurdles. Throughout the symposium, the exchange of veterinary knowledge fostered resilience and innovation, equipping industry stakeholders to meet disease challenges and seize opportunities for sustainable progress in Asian pork production.
Introduction and vision
The presentation, led by Dr. Jose Angulo (Zoetis Inc., USA), was themed "Towards Sustainable Excellence: Producing Quality Pigs in Modern Systems." The focus was on advancing swine health and sustainability by emphasizing the production of high-quality pigs. A central tenet is that quality is inversely related to variability —improving quality means reducing variability across production processes.
Core concepts in swine health and production
From individual to population: The approach shifts from managing individual pigs to optimizing the health and performance of entire pig populations.
Epidemiology and tools: Understanding how diseases spread (epidemiology), using effective diagnostic and control tools, and adapting production systems practices are all critical for improving herd health.
Stage-specific challenges: The presentation detailed the unique challenges at different production stages (suckling, nursery, finishing/fattening), such as feed conversion, mortality, antibiotic use and vaccine effectiveness. It highlighted the multifactorial nature of swine health, with both respiratory (e.g., PRRSV, PCV2, IAV-S) and enteric diseases (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella, Lawsonia) playing major roles.
Quality and variability
Reducing variability: Quality improvement is portrayed as the reduction of variability in health and production outcomes. The presentation implied that sustained, high-quality production leads to better health, performance, and economic results.
Time and growth: Visuals and data (e.g., weight gain over weeks) were used to show the impact of high versus low quality on pig growth and health over time.
Health management and decision-making
Integrated health programs: Effective health management incorporates risk assessment, financial impact analysis, epidemiological data, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
Surveillance and diagnostics: Continuous diagnostic and surveillance activities provide the knowledge base for informed decision-making and health interventions.
In summary:
Dr. Angulo’s presentation advocated for a systems-based, data-driven approach to pig production, where reducing variability and focusing on population health are keys to sustainable excellence. By integrating epidemiology, diagnostics, and modern management practices, producers can achieve consistent quality, improved health and better economic outcomes in modern swine systems.
Introduction and rationale for surveillance
The presentation by Iowa State University Professor Dr. Jeff Zimmerman focused on the importance of surveillance for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) at the pig, farm and regional levels. Surveillance was presented as a fundamental tool for effective population medicine, akin to the role of stethoscopes and thermometers in individual medicine. Reliable data collection was emphasized as crucial for informed decision-making in swine health management.
Universal surveillance principles
Although farms differ in their operations, the principles of disease surveillance are universal. Dr. Zimmerman’s presentation outlined the requirements for an effective surveillance plan:
Samples must be easy and inexpensive to collect on the farm.
Samples should be simple to process and test in the laboratory.
Diagnostic methods must deliver high specificity.
Data collected should provide immediate, actionable benefits to producers.
Surveillance plan: Stepwise approach
Step 1: Identifying units
The first step is to identify the epidemiological unit, defined as a group of animals sharing a common environment, not necessarily an entire production site.
The sampling unit must also be clearly defined for accurate data collection.
Step 2: Specimen selection and testing
The plan discussed which specimens to collect and which tests to use, including the decision to pool samples or not.
Over time, preferred specimens for PRRSV RT-PCR have shifted from serum to processing fluids and oral fluids, reflecting advances in diagnostic techniques.
The difference between aggregate and pooled samples was explained, stressing that pooling should be done carefully, especially avoiding pooling of oral fluids.
Step 3: Sampling design
Four main sampling options were outlined:
Census sampling (testing all animals).
Representative sampling (using statistical methods to select random samples).
Targeted sampling (focusing on poor-doing pigs or specific disease scenarios).
Spatial sampling (allocating samples over defined areas).
Diagnostic methods: Molecular vs. antibody assays
During the presentation, molecular assays (nucleic acid detection) to antibody assays were compared. It noted that neither method is perfect, and the choice depends on the surveillance goals. Both formats are useful and can complement each other in practice.
PRRSV persistence and long-term surveillance
PRRSV is known for its persistence in herds, highlighting the need of continuous surveillance and, the importance of understanding the biology of infection and planning for long-term monitoring. Concepts like "family oral fluids" for sample collection were introduced and the role of both antibody and nucleic acid assays were discussed.
Practical guidance and sample size calculation
Guidelines were provided for determining sample size based on population size and prevalence, referencing established eradication guidelines. The importance of representative sampling and its challenges are addressed, emphasizing the need to avoid biases and ensure meaningful surveillance results.
In summary:
Dr. Zimmerman offered a structured, practical guide to designing and implementing PRRSV surveillance programs at multiple levels. He stressed the use of universal principles, stepwise planning, careful specimen and test selection and robust sampling design to achieve the ultimate goal, which is, to empower producers with actionable data for better disease management and decision-making in swine production.
Introduction and background
Professor Giovanni Franzo’s (University of Padua, Italy) presentation began by introducing Porcine Circovirus type 2 (PCV2), a virus with a long evolutionary history in swine. Despite its age, PCV2 remains a major concern due to its remarkable evolutionary rate, which rivals that of RNA viruses. This rapid evolution, coupled with its ability to recombine, leads to the emergence of numerous genetic variants. To manage this complexity, PCV2 is classified into genotypes — currently eight — based on phylogenetic analysis, with genotypes a, b and d being the most widespread.
Genotype evolution and epidemiology
Over time, PCV2 genotypes have shifted, with PCV2a initially dominant, then replaced by PCV2b, and most recently by PCV2d. However, these shifts are not linear; multiple genotypes continue to circulate and fluctuate in prevalence, influenced by global pig trade and interconnected farming systems. Minor genotypes also exist, often underreported due to sampling biases — diagnostic efforts focus mainly on clinically affected animals, missing the broader diversity present in healthy or backyard populations.
Insights from phylodynamics and molecular studies
Advanced studies using phylodynamics merge genetic data with epidemiological trends, revealing that PCV2’s population dynamics are shaped by both viral evolution and host immunity. Genotypes diversify at specific capsid sites, indicating ongoing immune-driven selection. The virus’s ability to move between regions and adapt to new immune environments leads to rebounds of previously dominant genotypes and the persistence of genetic diversity.
Diagnostic and surveillance challenges
Traditional diagnostic methods, like Sanger sequencing, often detect only the dominant viral population, missing PCV2 genotypes co-infections and less prevalent genotypes. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers a more complete view, uncovering co-infections and recombination events within individual animals. Studies in Italy and Spain demonstrated underreporting of genotypes like PCV2e and highlighted the importance of monitoring healthy and backyard pigs to better understand the epidemiology.
Implications for vaccination and control
Vaccines, primarily based on PCV2a, have been effective in reducing clinical disease and improving productivity. However, the emergence of new genotypes like PCV2d raised concerns about vaccine escape. While experimental evidence suggests vaccines remain broadly protective, field failures often result from improper vaccination rather than true immune escape. Nonetheless, studies show vaccinated populations drive viral diversification, and partial immune escape can occur at the level of specific antibodies.
Strategies for improved control
To minimize vaccine “leakiness,” two approaches were recommended:
Optimizing vaccination protocols: Adjusting timing and administration schemes to ensure robust immunity.
Updating vaccine composition: Using vaccines containing multiple genotypes to broaden protection and reduce the risk of immune escape.
Monitoring and collecting detailed information during diagnostic activities — such as animal age, performance, co-infections and connections between farms — are crucial for effective control and understanding of PCV2 dynamics.
Final recommendations
Professor Franzo concluded by emphasizing the need for comprehensive surveillance, including healthy and backyard animals, and meticulous record-keeping of vaccination practices. This approach will help identify managerial or epidemiological issues, refine control strategies, and maintain the effectiveness of vaccination programs in the face of evolving viral diversity.
In summary:
PCV2 is a highly dynamic virus with significant genetic variability, posing ongoing challenges for diagnosis and control. Effective management requires advanced molecular techniques, broader surveillance, and adaptive vaccination strategies to stay ahead of the virus’s evolution and ensure long-term swine health and productivity.
Summary of Zoetis Satellite Symposium
Dr. Angulo advocated for sustainable excellence in pig production through data-driven, systems-based management, emphasizing reduced variability and population health. Professor Zimmerman outlined practical, stepwise strategies for PRRSV surveillance, highlighting the need for robust, actionable monitoring in Asia’s complex farming environments. Professor Franzo discussed PCV2’s genetic diversity, recommending improved diagnostics, adaptive vaccination, and thorough surveillance to enhance disease control.
Overall, the symposium promoted veterinary knowledge and innovation, strengthening resilience and progress in the Asian swine industry.
