What vaccinations are given to piglets, vaccination rules and schedule
Vaccinations against dangerous diseases help to keep piglets alive, guarantee weight gain and full development. On large pig farms, the vaccination schedule is strictly monitored. The quality of the meat is strictly tested, because many pork pathologies are dangerous for humans. When breeding pigs at home, you need to know what vaccinations the piglets need in order to preserve the health of the animal and get a quality product.
What vaccinations do piglets need
Large pig farms carry out vaccinations in full, as there is a high risk of a massive epidemic and loss of livestock. Owners of one or more piglets often feel that due to the lack of contact with other people's pigs, their pets are protected from disease. But infections are often transmitted to piglets by insects, people, other pets, and rodents.
The zealous owner will protect his pets from possible dangers, while preserving the health of the piglets, money and labor invested. For the selection of a set of necessary vaccinations, it is better to contact the veterinary service. Specialists will draw up a vaccination schedule taking into account the epidemiological situation in the region, choose only the necessary positions and effective drugs.
For salmonella
Suckling pigs at the age of 1.5-4 months often suffer from a dangerous infection. The disease is characterized by an acute course with diarrhea, fever. Intestinal mucous membranes are affected. In the acute form, up to 80% of young animals die. For protection, the associated vaccines PPD and ATP are used, which additionally prevent infection with streptococci and pasteurella. Norms:
- PPD - 4 grams, twice;
- ATP - 2 grams, twice in 2 days, revaccination in a month.
One vaccination gives piglets immunity from several dangerous diseases.
From the plague
Anti-plague vaccinations for pigs are mandatory, since the disease spreads quickly, leading to the death of animals with an almost 100% probability. The disease develops within a week, accompanied by a rise in temperature, loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, diarrhea. Classic plague can occur in different forms, piglets die within 1-2 weeks.
The KS vaccine is administered twice - at the age of 1-1.5 months, then revaccination after 60 days.
Against faces
The disease is caused by the bacterium Erysipelothrix insidiosa. Erysipelas spreads quickly, characterized by skin rashes, thirst, drowsiness, and cardiac disorders. For vaccinations, vaccines BP-2, GOA or PLAAR are used. According to the scheme, 3 vaccinations are required, the first is done at 16-17 weeks, repeated after 2-4 weeks, completed at the age of 5-7 months.
From worms
Helminths disrupt digestive processes, prevent young animals from gaining weight, and reduce the body's immune defenses. Many types of worms provoke the development of dangerous diseases. For vaccinations, drugs Iversect, Ivermek, Levamisole are used.
From rickets
Severe chronic illness is caused in piglets by a lack of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus salts. Rickets is manifested by disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, delayed bone growth, loss of strength and skeletal deformities. Piglets are vaccinated on the 10th day, introducing drugs containing potassium, sodium and calcium. Chalk, fish oil, bone meal are added to the feed. Lactating pigs are also supported. For the prevention of rickets, pigs are irradiated with fluorescent and mercury-quartz lamps.
From leptospirosis
Carriers of leptospirosis are rodents, the disease is characterized by yellowness, fever, necrosis of mucous membranes and skin. The VGNKI vaccine is administered to piglets twice to form stable immunity.
From foot and mouth disease
Anti-FMD vaccinations are not mandatory, they are carried out based on the epidemiological situation in the region. The decision on the need for vaccination is made by the veterinarian. For piglets, Immunolactone is used intramuscularly.
Teschen disease
The need for vaccination against enzootic encephalomyelitis (Teschen disease) is determined by veterinarians. The disease often affects young animals aged 1-2.5 months. The vaccine is administered twice with a break of 2-3 weeks to form a strong immunity.
Basic rules for vaccination
Vaccines will help build immunity if the vaccine is done properly. Here are the basic rules for vaccinating an animal:
- Absolutely healthy piglets are vaccinated. A preliminary examination is carried out, the condition is monitored for 1-2 days.
- Before using the drug, read the instructions, choose the dose, determine the injection site.
- Dosage is determined by weight, age, and other recommended parameters.
- It is necessary to wear protective equipment - an apron, gloves, to disinfect the skin of the animal.
- Find out if dilution of the drug is required - use saline. The prepared injection solution is injected without delay and is not stored.
- You should enlist help - invite a person who will hold the nimble pig.
- If a subcutaneous injection of the vaccine is indicated, inject into the area behind the ear or into the inner part of the thigh. After treatment with an alcohol-containing substance, the skin is pulled back, the needle is inserted at an angle of 45 °.
- Intramuscular injections are made into the neck and thighs, pointing the syringe perpendicular to the body.
Important: sterility should be observed, the injection site should be thoroughly disinfected, a separate syringe should be used for each individual.
After vaccination, the animals are provided with comfortable conditions and enhanced nutrition. A possible temporary deterioration in well-being does not need treatment. The vaccinated young animals are monitored for 2-3 days, if the piglets get worse, they turn to the veterinarian.
Vaccination schedule
The vaccination schedule is made together with the veterinarian, focusing on the regional problems of the pigs and the characteristics of a particular piglet. An approximate vaccination plan:
| Disease | Drug (vaccine) | Term | Notes |
| Anemia | Iron preparations (Suiferrovit, Ferroglukin) | The first days of life | |
| Rickets | Potassium, calcium | Day 10 | Lamp exposure will complement the vaccine |
| Salmonellosis | PPD, SPS | Day 20 | Revaccinations are required according to the instructions |
| Plague classic | KS, LK-VNIIVViM, others | 40-45 days | |
| Leptospirosis | VGNKI | Day 45 | Reapply in a week |
| Helminthiasis | Iversect, Ivermek, Levamisole | 8 weeks | After 4-5 weeks, revaccination |
| Teschen's disease | Vaccine against Teschen disease | 60 days | According to indications |
| Foot and mouth disease | Immunolactone | 2-2.5 months | |
| Erysipelas | VR-2, GOA or PLAAR | 17 weeks | Revaccinations after a month, the last one - 7 months |
Modern vaccines are safe for animals, capable of forming strong immunity. Vaccinations should not be abandoned in the hope that the infection will pass by side, the piglets will not get sick even without vaccinations. Treatment often turns out to be ineffective, young animals die from diseases that could be protected with one injection.
