A recent study by the Vetmeduni in Vienna has revealed a concerning issue among Austrian fattening pigs, with findings suggesting a prevalence of fatty muscular dystrophy. This condition, where muscle tissue is replaced by fat, was initially identified in 2017 by a slaughterhouse veterinarian and has since been observed in pigs from different farms across Upper and Lower Austria. The cause of this disease remains unknown, though it has been suggested to be related to a disorder in dystrophin formation, a crucial structural protein for muscle function. The research team, led by Lukas Schwarz, emphasizes the need for further studies to understand the global spread of this disease and to develop strategies for prevention and treatment. The University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, a leading institution in veterinary education and research, is actively involved in these efforts, underscoring the importance of addressing muscular disorders in pigs to ensure animal health and food safety.