By Spy Uganda
Establishing a pig vaccination program helps to protect your herd from contagious diseases at all stages of development and properly utilizing swine vaccines helps your farming bottom line whether its controlling bacteria or viruses.
Here Is How What You Must Know About Administering Vaccines To Pigs
Before giving vaccines, read the dosing instructions on the label and confirm the expiration date.
Record the day’s date, pig ID, vaccine administered, expiration date, dose volume used, and the name of the person delivering the vaccine.
Pigs should be healthy at the time of vaccination.
Don’t vaccinate an animal running a fever.
Make sure the intended injection site is clean.
Most vaccines have withdrawal times; usually this period is 21 days following injection.
This information is clearly stated on the product label and must be followed. Be aware that efficacy of some live vaccines can be compromised by pre- or co-administration of certain antimicrobials.
Zinc deficiency can also compromise vaccine efficacy by virtue of the immune supporting effects of this trace mineral. Your veterinarian will be able to answer questions regarding withdrawal time requirements and possible interactions between vaccines and antimicrobials or trace minerals.
Most vaccines currently used in pigs are administered into muscle (IM) or just beneath the skin (SC) a few inches behind the ear; a few can be administered intranasally (in the nose) or in water, which can be affected by water treatment protocols.
Plan to use each needle no more than 10 times, and discard used needles in a container marked “sharps,” designed to prevent needles from spilling out if the container is dropped or turned over.
You should never use a bent needle.
