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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: FVH Schweine Exam

3-4 years

Postgraduate Residency Training

GST Bildungsordnung & SVSM

3 parts

Written, Practical Audit & Oral

SVSM Examination Committee

CHF 2.5k-3.5k

Examination & Title Fee

GST / SVSM Fee Schedule

6 domains

Specialist Curriculum Blueprint

SVSM Curriculum

IS ABV / StAR

Mandatory Electronic AMU Monitoring

BLV / TAMV Switzerland

100 Qs

English Study Bank Adaptation

OpenExamPrep Practice Bank

The Fachtierarzt FVH für Schweine is the Swiss postgraduate board certification for swine veterinarians. Candidates complete 3-4 years of supervised clinical and herd health practice, submit documented case records and a scientific publication, and pass a comprehensive three-part examination (written exam, on-farm herd health audit, and oral case colloquium). Official languages are German and French; this 100-question English MCQ bank serves as a targeted study companion for knowledge verification and diagnostic reasoning.

Sample FVH Schweine Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your FVH Schweine exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary epidemiological advantage of collecting pen-based oral fluids (rope sampling) compared to individual blood sampling for herd-level monitoring of PRRSV and Swine Influenza?

A.Oral fluids provide higher individual diagnostic sensitivity than deep serum PCR for detecting early viremia

B.Oral fluids allow non-invasive, cost-effective population-level aggregate surveillance of pathogen shedding across multiple pens

C.Oral fluids completely eliminate maternal antibody interference in young suckling piglets

D.Oral fluid sampling replaces the statutory requirement for individual blood collection in official Swiss epizootic disease eradication programs

Explanation: Pen-based oral fluid sampling utilizes absorbent cotton ropes chewed by pigs to collect aggregate saliva and transudate. This provides a non-invasive, cost-effective method for monitoring population-level pathogen circulation (such as PRRSV, PCV2, and SIV) across large groups without inducing restraint stress. It represents an aggregate diagnostic sample rather than an individual animal diagnostic test.

2A swine herd with 500 fattening pigs requires screening to detect a pathogen circulating at an expected minimum prevalence of 5% with 95% statistical confidence. According to standard epidemiological sampling tables (Cannon and Roe), what is the minimum number of random blood samples required?

A.14 samples

B.28 samples

C.59 samples

D.120 samples

Explanation: To detect at least one positive animal with 95% confidence in a population of 500 pigs when the expected minimum design prevalence is 5%, standard binomial and hypergeometric formulas (Cannon and Roe) require a sample size of 59 animals. If the expected prevalence were 10%, approximately 28–29 samples would be needed, and for 20% prevalence, around 14 samples.

3When investigating an outbreak of acute respiratory disease in nursery pigs, which diagnostic technique provides the highest diagnostic yield for obtaining deep tracheobronchial secretions for PCR detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and bacterial culture?

A.Tracheobronchial swab (catheter aspiration / transtracheal lavage) in acute, untreated pigs

B.Superficial anterior nasal swabbing of chronically ill runts

C.Environmental air sampling using dry gelatin filters

D.Faecal PCR testing of symptomatic pens

Explanation: Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae colonizes the ciliated epithelium of the lower trachea and bronchi. Deep tracheobronchial swabbing using a guarded catheter or transtracheal/bronchoalveolar lavage in acutely affected, non-medicated pigs provides superior diagnostic sensitivity compared to nasal swabs, where colonization is transient and bacterial load is low. It also yields clean samples for secondary bacterial co-infections.

4Under Swiss Schweinegesundheitsdienst (SGD / SuisSano) herd health protocols, what is the mandatory structural requirement for the external biosecurity hygiene lock (Hygieneschleuse / sas sanitaire) at the barn entrance?

A.An automated thermal camera and whole-body disinfectant misting tunnel

B.A shared communal boots rack without physical partitioning between indoor and outdoor areas

C.A footbath filled with chlorinated lime solution without changing footwear

D.A strict physical separation between black (external) and white (internal) zones with farm-specific clothing and boots

Explanation: Swiss SGD herd health standards mandate an effective biosecurity hygiene lock featuring a strict physical barrier (such as a bench or walkover divide) separating the black (unclean/outside) zone from the white (clean/barn) zone. Visitors and staff must remove external clothing/shoes in the black zone, wash/disinfect hands, step over the barrier, and don herd-specific protective clothing and boots in the white zone.

5What is the recommended minimum quarantine duration for replacement breeding gilts introduced into a pathogen-negative breeding herd to allow adequate clinical observation and serological seroconversion testing?

A.7 to 10 days

B.4 to 6 weeks (30–42 days)

C.3 to 5 days

D.12 weeks

Explanation: A quarantine period of 4 to 6 weeks (30–42 days) is standard in swine herd health management. This timeframe allows sufficient incubation time for incubating pathogens (such as PRRSV, APP, SIV, and Brachyspira) to produce clinical signs, while providing adequate time for antibody development to allow reliable paired or entry/exit serological testing before herd integration.

6When calculating the farrowing rate (Abferkelrate) in a sow herd database, which mathematical formula is used?

A.(Number of piglets weaned / Number of sows in herd) × 100

B.(Number of gilts mated / Total number of pregnant sows) × 100

C.(Number of sows that farrowed / Total number of sows mated in that service batch) × 100

D.(Number of live-born piglets / Total number of farrowing pens) × 100

Explanation: The farrowing rate is defined as the percentage of mated sows in a specific breeding batch that successfully farrow. It is calculated by dividing the number of sows farrowing by the total number of services (sows and gilts served) in that cohort, multiplied by 100. Target farrowing rates in well-managed herds typically exceed 85–90%.

7In a herd investigating recurring post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome, what specific diagnostic criteria must ALL be fulfilled to confirm a clinical diagnosis of PCV2-Systemic Disease (PCV2-SD / PMWS) in an individual pig?

A.Clinical signs of wasting/dyspnea, characteristic lymphoid depletion with histiocytic inflammation, and moderate-to-high PCV2 antigen/DNA within lesions

B.Presence of PCV2 antibodies in serum by ELISA, normal lymphoid histology, and absence of fever

C.High PCV2 DNA load in pen oral fluids, normal body condition, and concurrent Actinobacillus infection

D.Isolation of PCV2 from nasal swabs, low serum antibody titer, and elevated lung lesion score

Explanation: The universally accepted diagnostic criteria for PCV2-Systemic Disease (PCV2-SD) require the triad of: 1) compatible clinical signs (wasting, unthriftiness, respiratory signs, pallor), 2) characteristic histological lesions in lymphoid tissue (lymphoid depletion and granulomatous/histiocytic infiltration), and 3) demonstration of moderate to high amounts of PCV2 antigen or viral DNA within the microscopic lesions (via IHC or ISH).

8A farrow-to-finish herd exhibits pre-weaning piglet mortality of 18%. An audit shows that 60% of all piglet deaths occur within the first 72 hours of life. Which epidemiological parameter is most critical to evaluate first?

A.Mycotoxin contamination of the nursery post-weaning grower diet

B.Finishing barn ventilation and ammonia levels

C.Slaughterhouse pleurisy scoring of cull sows

D.Colostrum intake, birth weight distribution, farrowing pen temperature, and sow lactation behavior

Explanation: Over 60–70% of pre-weaning piglet mortality globally occurs during the first 72 hours post-farrowing, primarily driven by the hypothermia-starvation-crushing complex. Initial investigation must focus on colostrum intake (adequate neonatal IgG ingestion), farrowing room thermal management (microclimate creep area 32–35°C vs sow comfort at 18–20°C), birth weight uniformity, and sow maternal behavior.

9Which biological matrix is considered the gold standard for monitoring sow herd excretion and vertical transmission of HEV (Hepatitis E Virus) in commercial breeding facilities?

A.Sow hair follicles

B.Individual and pooled fresh faecal samples / slurry

C.Tarsal joint synovial fluid

D.Nasal turbinate scraping

Explanation: Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) is an enteric zoonotic virus excreted in large quantities in the feces of infected pigs. Fresh individual or pooled pen faecal samples and slurry represent the primary non-invasive diagnostic specimen for monitoring viral shedding and environmental persistence via RT-qPCR.

10In a 3-week batch farrowing system, what is the principal management advantage of all-in/all-out (AIAO) room turnover combined with targeted downtime and disinfection?

A.It allows continuous introduction of fresh replacement gilts into farrowing rooms

B.It permanently prevents the entry of all airborne viruses from neighboring farms

C.It breaks the infectious transmission cycle between older shedding batches and susceptible incoming animals

D.It eliminates the necessity for routine cleaning of slats and slurry pits between batches

Explanation: All-in/all-out (AIAO) batch management ensures that rooms are completely emptied, washed with high-pressure detergent, disinfected, and thoroughly dried between cohorts. This breaks the transmission cycle of endemic viral and bacterial pathogens (such as E. coli, Rotavirus, Lawsonia, and respiratory agents) from older shedding animals to naive incoming groups.

About the FVH Schweine Exam

The Fachtierarzt FVH für Schweine (Vétérinaire spécialiste FVH pour porcs) is Switzerland's official postgraduate veterinary specialty qualification for swine herd health, clinical porcine medicine, and epidemiological management. Administered by the GST in collaboration with the SVSM, the qualification validates specialist competence across biosecurity, diagnostics, epizootic disease control, reproduction, welfare, and antimicrobial stewardship under Swiss legislation (TSG, TAMV, TSchV, StAR). Candidates undergo a 3 to 4-year structured residency/training program culminating in a written knowledge examination, an on-farm herd audit, and an oral case colloquium. This practice bank is an English-language multiple-choice adaptation designed to support study and conceptual review.

Assessment

The official assessment comprises: 1) Written specialist examination covering pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, and herd medicine; 2) Practical herd health audit on a commercial swine farm with written report; 3) Oral case colloquium and defense of submitted case catalog and scientific portfolio before SVSM/GST examiners.

Time Limit

Written exam (2-3 hours), practical herd health audit (3-4 hours on farm), and oral case colloquium (approx. 60 minutes)

Passing Score

Satisfactory performance (Pass) across all three examination sections: written specialist exam, practical herd audit, and oral case colloquium

Exam Fee

Approx. CHF 2,500 – 3,500 total examination and title registration fee (GST/SVSM) (Gesellschaft Schweizer Tierärztinnen und Tierärzte (GST / SVS) & Schweizerische Vereinigung für Schweinemedizin (SVSM))

FVH Schweine Exam Content Outline

~25%

Herd Health Management & Diagnostics

Herd health monitoring (SGD protocols), oral fluid sampling, bronchoalveolar lavages, epidemiological sample sizing, internal/external biosecurity barriers, and breeding/finishing production KPI analysis.

~25%

Infectious & Epizootic Diseases of Swine

Pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, laboratory confirmation, and eradication protocols for PRRSV, PCV2/PCV3, APP, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, African Swine Fever (TSG), and Glässer's disease.

~18%

Piglet Health, Neonatology & Sow Reproduction

Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome (PDS/MMA), neonatal colibacillosis, Clostridium perfringens enterotoxemia, Cystoisospora suis, iron deficiency, colostrum intake, and reproductive management in free-farrowing systems.

~12%

Nutrition, Husbandry & Housing Systems

Phase feeding, amino acid balancing, mycotoxicoses (DON, ZEN, OTA), climate/ventilation dynamics, Swiss Animal Welfare Ordinance (TSchV) regulations, free farrowing pens, and enrichment material.

~12%

Prudent Antimicrobial Use, Vaccinology & Swiss Legislation

Swiss StAR strategy, IS ABV electronic prescription monitoring, TAMV cascade and stock dispensing rules, critical antimicrobial restrictions (HP-CIAs), autogenous vaccines, and vaccine storage.

~8%

Slaughterhouse Feedback & Meat Hygiene

Abattoir organ lesion scoring (Madec lung scoring, pleurisy BPEX, Ascaris milk spots), meat inspection legislation (VSFK), Food Chain Information (FCI), condemnation criteria, and Salmonella reduction programs.

How to Pass the FVH Schweine Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Satisfactory performance (Pass) across all three examination sections: written specialist exam, practical herd audit, and oral case colloquium
Assessment: The official assessment comprises: 1) Written specialist examination covering pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, and herd medicine; 2) Practical herd health audit on a commercial swine farm with written report; 3) Oral case colloquium and defense of submitted case catalog and scientific portfolio before SVSM/GST examiners.
Time limit: Written exam (2-3 hours), practical herd health audit (3-4 hours on farm), and oral case colloquium (approx. 60 minutes)
Exam fee: Approx. CHF 2,500 – 3,500 total examination and title registration fee (GST/SVSM)

Keys to Passing

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

FVH Schweine Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master statistical sample sizing for disease detection (e.g., Cannon and Roe tables for 95% confidence at 5% or 10% expected prevalence) across different herd sizes and diagnostic specimen types.

2Understand diagnostic sampling strategies: oral fluids for population-level PRRSV/PCV2/SIV surveillance, tracheobronchial lavages for respiratory pathogens, and deep tissue cultures for enteric pathogens.

3Review the clinical pathology, toxin profiles, and differential diagnosis of major swine pathogens including APP serotypes, PCV2/PCV3, PRRSV, Brachyspira species, and African Swine Fever.

4Thoroughly study Swiss legal requirements under TSG (epizootic reporting tiers), TAMV (cascade, stock prescriptions, HP-CIA limitations), and IS ABV (usage benchmarks).

5Memorize Swiss Animal Welfare (TSchV) parameters: space allowances per weight category, trough lengths, water flow rates, air quality thresholds (CO2 <3000 ppm, NH3 <20 ppm), and enrichment requirements.

6Practice interpreting slaughterhouse feedback reports: calculate Madec lung lesion scores, pleurisy indices, liver milk spot scores, and integrate them into herd health improvement plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Fachtierarzt FVH für Schweine qualification?

It is the federally recognized postgraduate veterinary specialist title (Fachtierarzt FVH) in swine medicine in Switzerland, conferred by the Swiss Veterinary Society (GST / SVS) in cooperation with the Swiss Association for Swine Medicine (SVSM). It demonstrates advanced clinical, epidemiological, and herd-health management expertise.

What are the eligibility requirements to sit the FVH Schweine examination?

Candidates must hold a Swiss Federal Diploma in Veterinary Medicine or a recognized EU/EFTA veterinary qualification (MedBG), complete at least 3 to 4 years of structured postgraduate specialist training under an authorized FVH supervisor, maintain an approved logbook of clinical cases and herd health audits, publish scientific work, and acquire mandatory continuing education points.

How is the official Swiss FVH Schweine specialist examination structured?

The official examination consists of three main parts: 1) A comprehensive written examination testing advanced veterinary porcine medicine and legislation; 2) A practical on-farm herd health audit evaluating diagnostic investigation and reporting skills; 3) An oral case colloquium before the SVSM examination board evaluating clinical decision-making, case logs, and scientific contributions.

What is the passing criteria for the FVH Schweine specialist title?

Candidates must achieve a satisfactory passing mark in all three components (written examination, practical herd health audit, and oral colloquium). If a candidate fails a specific component, it may be retaken in accordance with the GST Bildungsordnung and SVSM regulations.

In which languages is the official FVH Schweine examination conducted?

The official examination is conducted in Switzerland's official languages—German and French (or Italian upon special request). The 100 multiple-choice questions provided here represent an English-language study adaptation intended for conceptual practice and revision.

How does Swiss legislation differ for swine veterinarians compared to the EU?

Switzerland has specific federal legislation including the Animal Welfare Ordinance (TSchV, requiring loose sow farrowing, mandatory enrichment, and strict space allocations), the Veterinary Medicinal Products Ordinance (TAMV, governing strict dispensing, storage, and cascade rules), the Epizootic Diseases Act (TSG), and mandatory electronic reporting of all antimicrobial treatments in the IS ABV database under the StAR initiative.