Youth Show Swine: Biosecurity and Health
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EmailMarch 30, 2026
Keeping your pig healthy starts with simple habits you can build into your daily routine. In this video, you’ll learn how diseases spread and what you can do to prevent them, like keeping boots and equipment clean, limiting outside contact, and paying attention to where your pig has been. We’ll also cover what a healthy pig looks like, signs that something might be wrong, and when to ask a trusted adult or veterinarian for help.
Video Transcript
When you’re raising show pigs, keeping them healthy is one of the most important things you can do — and that comes down to three key areas: biosecurity, vaccinations, and deworming.
We’ll start with biosecurity — basically, this is a concept of good management practices that help protect your pigs from getting sick.
First, quarantine any new pigs that come to your farm for a couple of weeks, a minimum of 21 days, before introducing them to the rest. Watch for any signs of illness during that time.
Next, keep things clean. Disinfect pens, feeders, and waterers regularly. Wear different shoes and clothing to take care of your pigs than what you would wear out in public. Always wash your hands before and after handling your pigs. A clean space means fewer germs.
And if you visit other farms or even just different pens, change your clothes and boots before handling your pigs again. Diseases can spread fast — even on your shoes, clothing, hands, and vehicles!
Now onto vaccinations — these protect your pigs from common and serious diseases.
Some more common vaccines you may want to vaccinate for are:
Erysipelas, which causes fever and skin issues…
Swine flu, which can make pigs cough, lose their appetite, and feel tired, and can be transferred between pigs and people…
And ileitis, a gut disease that hurts growth and digestion.
These vaccines are usually given early in life, so talk to your veterinarian about the right timing and dosage.
Lastly, let’s talk about deworming. Worms can hurt your pig’s weight gain, coat condition, and overall performance.
Most pigs need to be dewormed every 3 to 6 months, but your vet can help you set the right schedule. Watch for signs like weight loss or diarrhea — and act quickly if you see them.
Finally, make sure to check in with your vet regularly. They can catch problems early and keep your pigs on track for the show ring.
So to sum it up:
- Practice good biosecurity
- Stay up to date on vaccinations
- Deworm regularly
- And work closely with your veterinarian
Taking these simple steps can set you and your pigs up for success!
