Minnesota veterinarian honored for science based swine health work
A Minnesota swine veterinarian has been recognized for her strong commitment to using science to improve animal health and farm productivity. Laura Bruner has received the 2026 Allen D. Leman Science in Practice Award for her contributions to advancing swine health and production. The presentation will be made at the conference in Spetember.
The annual award honors swine practitioners who apply scientific knowledge to solve important health and production challenges faced by pork producers. The award highlights practical work that improves animal welfare and supports efficient farm operations.
Bruner has worked as a veterinarian at Swine Vet Center in St. Peter Minnesota since 2007. In her role, she focuses on improving swine health production efficiency and disease prevention. She works directly with producers and production teams to apply science-based strategies in real farm environments.
A key part of her work involves preventing disease before it starts. She closely monitors herd health and encourages stronger biosecurity practices on farms. Her approach emphasizes continuous improvement rather than treatment after illness occurs.
“I am always working in prevention mode,” said Bruner. “My goal in my role is to prevent animals from getting sick by continually improving biosecurity practices with my clients by looking at what they are doing today and what they could be doing better. I’m always trying to prevent rather than treat.”
Bruner also collaborates with swine researchers from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and other institutions. These collaborations help address major industry concerns including disease outbreaks and biosecurity risks affecting pork production.
Through research partnerships, she has helped advance understanding of swine respiratory viruses, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus swine influenza porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and Streptococcus suis. She also shares knowledge by speaking regularly at major industry conferences.
“Dr. Bruner goes the extra mile to generate practical knowledge and share it with producers and veterinarians to help prevent and control disease,” said Montse Torremorell, professor and chair of the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine at the University of Minnesota. “Her kindness and generosity are evident throughout her work to help others in the swine industry.”
Bruner will receive her award on September 21 at the Allen D. Leman Swine Conference in St. Paul Minnesota. The Science in Practice Award is sponsored by Merck Animal Health, a global animal health company supporting livestock health and farm efficiency.
Photo Credit: Dr. Laura Bruner-university-of-minnesota