Heiko Nathues

Prof. Dr. Heiko Nathues serves as Professor and Head of the Swine Clinic within the Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine (DKV) at the Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. He leads research initiatives at the Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases (MCID) with a focus on translating clinical findings into practical herd health management for Swiss and European pig producers.

His research centers on swine infectious diseases and reproductive health, particularly investigating risk factors for dysentery, uterine involution disorders, and tail necrosis in free farrowing systems. Current work emphasizes biomarker discovery (e.g., progesterone in colostrum for farrowing prediction), epidemiological modeling of Brachyspira transmission, and development of the Pig Health Info System for national disease monitoring. His studies consistently integrate clinical observation with quantitative analysis of sow-piglet interactions and environmental factors.

Prof. Nathues actively contributes to veterinary continuing education through the MCID, developing diagnostic frameworks for respiratory diseases and herd-level eradication programs. His leadership in the Diagnostikzentrum für Nutztiergesundheit (DZ NTG) bridges academic research with on-farm applications, focusing on practical solutions for swine dysentery and circovirus management. He also pioneers digital tools like 360° farm videos for herd health management training.