MSU Extension Pork

Protecting your swine farm herd from diseases is critical. Vaccines prepare your pigs for disease challenges by priming their immune system in ways that help them fight off diseases. Preventing disease by vaccination allows animals to be raised using less antimicrobials which helps prevent the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains of bacteria and fungi. No single vaccine strategy fits all farms. A vaccine strategy should include important diseases that can be prevented using vaccines including influenza, PCV2, Mycoplasma and Erysipelas. Combination products are available for most of these common diseases. Your veterinarian has the best advice regarding the risk of specific diseases in your area, sourcing vaccines, dosage and timing. Store vaccines according to label instructions and always check the expiration date. Most vaccines consist of biological materials suspended in aqueous solvents and are best stored in the refrigerator. Before giving vaccines, read the dosing instructions on the label and confirm the expiration date. Record the day’s date, pig ID, vaccine administered, vaccine lot or serial number, expiration date, dose volume used, withdrawal time, 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 21 days. This information is clearly stated on the product label. Most vaccines currently used in pigs are administered into muscle or just beneath the skin. Proper needle size and length is based on stage or size of the pig. Pork Quality Assurance guidelines recommend use of detectable needles when possible, and some meat packers require them. 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. If a needle breaks during injection and you are unable to remove it, mark the area with a bright color label, record the animal and approximate site, and alert anyone who might purchase the pig or transport the pig for slaughter.