Learning from failure and not avoiding it was the context of the 2026 American Association of Swine Veterinarians annual meeting. Jennifer Shrike captures the various perspectives of speakers in this article. Many of the comments could be applied to other species, such as:
- “Don’t be afraid to fail because of uncertainty; it’s always present. It’s not about getting it right; it’s about being wrong less. It’s about learning.” – Darin Madson, DVM
- “Disease is an interaction where context determines outcome. Disease is not just a pathogen. Host biology shapes outcome. Development, immunity and stress matter. Understanding disease requires depth.” – Adam Moeser, MS, PhD, DVM
- Provide realistic guidance for culling decisions . . . there is a higher moral value to a cull animal than one that dies or has to be euthanized.” – Ian Levis, DVM
Source: PORK, March 2, 2026. Link.
We’re just not making mistakes fast enough.” – Allen D. Leman, DVM
Related: The Swine Disease Reporting System story, National Hog Farmer, March 3, 2026. Link. Eight years of monitoring, learning and supporting U.S. swine health. Currently, the SDRS is the only publicly available source of swine health information from U.S. veterinary diagnostic laboratories.
INSIGHTS: The tone of this meeting is reminiscent of Thomas Edison’s comments about working to create the lightbulb. “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
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