Due to its popularity, and to be flexible for producers, DPI’s Pig Health and Research Unit – the only specialist pig research and extension in the state – will present Survivability – the key to success on both 27 and 28 March, featuring international keynote speakers.

DPI’s Senior Veterinary Officer (Pigs), Dr Trish Holyoake, said she was excited about the seminars, which will be held at the Bendigo Harness Racing Club.

"With the programme repeated over the two days, this will hopefully allow producers some flexibility to attend," Dr Holyoake said.

"Speakers of international standing, including DPI’s own Dr Tony Fahy – and myself – will be joined by well-known international professors John Deen and John Carr.

"All presenters will provide the latest strategies to control mortalities in pre- and post-weaning pigs and sows."

Apart from her position with DPI, Dr Holyoake also teaches at the University of Sydney and Charles Sturt University veterinary schools.

She is a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Pig Medicine and was awarded the Belle Bruce Reid Honor Medal in 2006 for her service to the veterinary profession.

"Our speakers are wonderful – absolute experts in their fields," Dr Holyoake said.

"Tony (Dr Fahy) joined DPI in 1978 as a Senior Research Veterinarian/Pathologist – and in 1981 with co-funding from the Pig Research and Development Corporation (PRDC), the Commercial Pig Company and DPI, he set up the Pig Research Unit (PRU) in Bendigo to concentrate on pig health research and extension.

"John Deen is a professor of veterinary epidemiology at the University of Minnesota and is also on the organising committee of the American College of Animal Welfare.

"His research interests include pig health and welfare, epidemiology of pig diseases, pig records and pig production optimisation.

"His clinical interests, pertinent to our seminar, include risk factors of slow growth and mortality in growing pigs, sow mortality and measurement of pain."

Dr Holyoake said that Professor Carr was well known within the industry and had a particular interest in stockmanship and batch production to enhance the efficiency of pig farming.

"He has taught veterinary medicine and pig health at Liverpool University, The Royal Veterinary College London, North Carolina State University, Iowa State University and even Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia," she said.

"In 1992 he joined Garth Veterinary Group where he concentrated on improving pig health through stockmanship on farms throughout the world.

"I’m sure anyone who comes along to the seminars will be amazed by the knowledge in the room – and there’s a chance to ask questions and network afterwards."

The Bendigo Harness Racing Club, Lords Raceway, is on McIvor Highway in Junortoun (Bendigo). Registration costs just $30 for either day, including lunch and a networking session at the end of the seminar.

"We already have great numbers pre-registered due to the great industry network, so I urge anyone interested to confirm their registration as soon as possible, to guarantee a spot," Dr Holyoake said.

For further information or to register, please contact Dr Holyoake on (03) 5430 4412, mobile 0419 231 534 or via email.

The seminars are sponsored by Australian Pork Ltd, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica and Pfizer Animal Health.