Keeping Pigs

Claire developed her love for smallholder pigs whilst practicing as a pig vet in the South West of England. She has delivered pig teaching across UK veterinary schools, to vets in practice and to both producers and pet pig keepers. She is now completing her PhD at the University of Bristol, exploring how smallholders prevent, diagnose and treat disease.


James began his career in private farm animal veterinary practice, after which he has spent the past 10 years teaching at academic institutions where he aims to ensure that vets of the future receive dedicated teaching for pet pigs. James is a diplomat holder in Large Animal Internal Medicine from the American College of Internal Veterinary Medicine.


Pete is a farm vet from Dorset. A neighbour's orchard pigs first sparked his interest in this species, and he has spent the last 10 years at Synergy Farm Health working closely with small scale pig producers, pedigree breeders and pet pig owners. Amongst his usual veterinary work Pete stewards pigs at the county show, writes countless articles and delivers pig training for other vets.


Stephen and Sue own Black Orchard Large Blacks, a successful enterprise producing very high welfare, soya-free, rare breed pork and selling breeding and meat weaners. They keep the rarest lines to help preserve the wonderful Large Black breed. Passionate about pig welfare amongst smallholders, they also run courses for new pig keepers.