Dr Mackenzie Congreve is one of our swine veterinarians, originally hailing from Bundaberg, Queensland.
Mackenzie completed her veterinary studies out of the University of Queensland, graduating in 2022. However, she has been working in the veterinary industry for some time, previously working as a senior animal emergency and critical care nurse in Brisbane, QLD.
With a family background in pig farming, Dr Congreve always knew she wasn’t going to solely work with companion animals.
“My grandparents started pig farming on Morgan’s Road in Windera, QLD and got out of pigs in the 2000’s,” Mackenzie said.
“When the opportunity to become a pig veterinarian arose, and after reflecting on my grandad’s passing in 2010, this opportunity felt like it was meant to be – to do something I love and a way to make him proud.”
Now based out of Portec in Perth, Western Australia, Mackenzie has a keen interest in respiratory diseases, especially Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP), and sharing her knowledge with others in the industry.
“I completed my fifth-year honours project in vet school on the toxins APP produces and subsequent vaccination strategies,” she said.
“I also have a keen interest in stockperson training and being involved in training the next generation of pig veterinarians.
“I had the opportunity recently to present to graduate vets at the Apiam New Graduates Conference, which was a cool experience.”
In the future, Mackenzie is interested in becoming a veterinary specialist in swine health and production, to service her clients to the best of her ability.
When Mackenzie isn’t travelling between pig farms, you’ll find her passionately supporting her favourite rugby league teams, exploring the WA coastline or delving into a new book.
“My spare time involves a lot of rugby league football analysis from the couch or the pub every Thursday, Friday…Saturday…and Sunday,” she said.
“I am a die-hard Newcastle Knights supporter, much to my family’s dismay.
‘However, during state of origin, I am a Queenslander through and through!”
