Rethinking pig health - a commentary by Kristian Møller

By Shaila Ann Sigsgaard

During the PIG-PARADIGM 2025 Annual meeting at the Konventum in Elsinore, Zealand, we spoke with Kristian Møller, Director of Veterinary and Quality Services at the Danish Agriculture and Food Council. In a reflective conversation on the state of Danish pig production, Møller as a stakeholder, shared his perspectives on tackling post-weaning diarrhea and achieving lower antibiotic use while maintaining animal health and farm sustainability:

What makes post-weaning diarrhea such a stubborn obstacle despite Denmark's strong progress in reducing overall antibiotic use?

For years, I’ve worked with diagnostics, surveillance, and disease prevention in pig farming. It’s an area that continues to challenge us, but also one that holds enormous promises. One of our biggest hurdles remains post-weaning diarrhea -a condition that not only affects the health of piglets but also leads to unavoidable antibiotic use. The Danish Agriculture and Food Council is committed to improving pig resilience, and I have seen firsthand how dedicated our farmers and veterinarians are to finding solutions that reduce antimicrobial dependency.

Denmark has set a goal to cut antibiotic usage by an additional eight percent by 2027, a target that is ambitious but necessary. Over the years, we’ve successfully lowered antibiotic reliance through regulatory frameworks like the yellow card system, which ensures that farms adhere to strict usage limits. However, post-weaning diarrhea continues to be the biggest obstacle, often requiring treatment that goes against our goal of further reductions.

You’ve spoken about post-weaning diarrhea as one of the most persistent challenges in Danish pig farming—what do you believe is the most promising path forward for tackling it without compromising animal welfare?

To truly reduce antibiotic use, we need to shift our approach. Genetic research is already helping us breed more resilient pigs, and improving biosecurity measures remains one of our strongest defenses against disease outbreaks. Farmers who have managed to lower their antibiotic use without compromising pig health are leading the way, showing that change is possible. I believe their success stories will play a crucial role in shaping best practices across the industry.

A particularly promising development is the move toward precision treatment. Traditionally, antibiotics are administered to entire groups of pigs, which is easier and less time-consuming for farmers. But if we can treat individual pigs instead—targeting only those that genuinely need intervention—we can dramatically reduce antibiotic use. Admittedly, this approach demands more labor and resources, but the long-term benefits could redefine the way we manage pig health.

You've emphasized the importance of clearer diagnostic standards, especially around diarrhea- how close are we to achieving that clarity?

One of my biggest concerns is how we define and diagnose diarrhea in pigs. The inconsistency in classification makes it difficult to determine when intervention is truly necessary. Some farms may treat cases that could be resolved naturally, while others may overlook serious conditions. We need a clear, standardized definition that helps veterinarians make precise treatment decisions rather than relying on broad assumptions.

Biomarkers are an exciting avenue for improving diagnostics. If we can pinpoint biological indicators that signal early signs of disease, we can intervene before symptoms escalate, ensuring that only pigs with severe cases receive treatment. This could be a game-changer in our fight against unnecessary antibiotic use.

In your experience, what does meaningful change look like when it comes to aligning science, policy, and on-farm realities?

I am optimistic about the future of pig health in Denmark. PIG-PARADIGM represents a practical shift in how we manage pig health in Denmark. However, we are also at a pivotal moment where research, policy, and practical farm management must align. Collaboration between farmers, veterinarians, researchers, and policymakers is essential if we are to develop sustainable, long-term solutions that benefit both animal welfare and food production. I see PIG-PARADIGM as a beacon of progress—proof that when science, dedication, and practical knowledge converge, real change is within reach.

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most passionate professionals in agriculture. We are all striving for a future where robust pigs, improved diagnostics, and smarter treatment protocols make antibiotic overuse a thing of the past. The road ahead will be challenging, but I firmly believe that Denmark will continue to lead the way in responsible and innovative pig farming.