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Saskatchewan Swine Veterinarian Receives Prestigious National Award
June 26, 2025
Victoria, B.C. – Dr. John Harding was honoured with the 2025 Merck Veterinary Award during the Annual Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Awards Gala on June 25. The award recognizes a veterinarian whose work in clinical practice, research, and teaching has significantly advanced large animal medicine and herd health management in Canada.
Dr. Harding, a professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), University of Saskatchewan, has dedicated his career to swine health, education, and research. With over 30 years of contributions to the swine industry, his impact spans clinical practice, diagnostics, epidemiology, and vaccine development.
“Dr. Harding has been instrumental in shaping swine health research and education in Canada,” says Dr. Murray Jelinski, Interim Department Head of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, WCVM. “From discovering disease-causing viruses to developing control strategies, his work has improved animal welfare and supported the sustainability of swine production globally.”
Dr. Harding was among the first to identify porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) as the cause of post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome, leading to the development of one of the most successful animal vaccines in swine medicine. His research contributions also include advances in the understanding of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, Brachyspira-associated colitis, and disease resilience in pigs.
In addition to his research, Dr. Harding has played a pivotal role in veterinary education. He has trained and mentored more than half of the swine veterinarians currently practicing in western Canada. Through his Swine Medicine Advancement, Recruitment and Training (SMART) Program, he is actively addressing the shortage of swine veterinarians in the country.
Dr. Harding also serves as an advisor for Prairie Diagnostic Services, organizes the annual scientific program for the Western Canadian Association of Swine Veterinarians, and is a frequent contributor to the “Swine It” podcast and other industry knowledge-sharing platforms.
The Merck Veterinary Award, sponsored by Merck Animal Health, recognizes leadership in advancing the science of veterinary medicine.
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The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine. Each year, the CVMA proudly recognizes individuals and groups for their outstanding contribution to veterinary medicine. Visit canadianveterinarians.net to learn more about the CVMA.
Contact:
Ashley Dupont
Communications Officer
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
613-236-1162 ext. 125
adupont@cvma-acmv.org