Breeding Pig Vaccination: Essential Protocols for Healthy Gilts and Boars

Ensuring the health of your breeding pigs, gilts, and boars, is vital for a productive farm. Effective vaccination protocols are key. This involves a carefully planned schedule of shots targeting common diseases like Porcine Parvovirus (PPV), Leptospirosis, and Erysipelas, administered at specific times before breeding and throughout their productive lives. Always consult your veterinarian to tailor a program specific to your herd’s needs and local disease risks.

Keeping breeding pigs healthy is a top priority for any successful farm. Sickness can cause big problems, from fewer piglets to higher costs. Vaccinations are a simple, yet powerful tool to prevent many common diseases that affect gilts (young female pigs) and boars (male pigs). If you’ve ever felt unsure about when or what shots your pigs need, you’re not alone. Many farmers find it tricky to create the right vaccination plan. This article will make it easy to understand, guiding you through clear, practical steps to protect your valuable breeding animals and ensure a thriving herd.

Why is Vaccination Crucial for Breeding Pigs?

Vaccination is not just a good idea; it’s a cornerstone of responsible and profitable pig farming. For breeding animals, the stakes are even higher. Healthy gilts and boars are the foundation of your herd’s future.

Disease Prevention and Economic Impact

Preventing diseases through vaccination is far more cost-effective than treating sick animals. Outbreaks can lead to significant economic losses due to:

• Reduced reproductive performance: Lower conception rates, smaller litter sizes, stillbirths, and abortions.
• Increased mortality: Loss of valuable breeding stock and piglets.
• Higher veterinary and medication costs: Treating widespread illness can be expensive.
• Decreased growth rates: Even if animals recover, their growth can be stunted, impacting market readiness.
• Culling of affected animals: Animals that don’t recover well may need to be removed from the herd.

A proactive vaccination program minimizes these risks, safeguarding your investment and ensuring a consistent supply of healthy piglets.

Herd Immunity and Animal Welfare

When a large percentage of your herd is vaccinated, it creates “herd immunity.” This means the disease has fewer opportunities to spread, protecting even unvaccinated or less responsive animals. Beyond economics, vaccination significantly improves animal welfare by preventing suffering caused by illness. Healthy pigs are happier and more productive.

Maintaining Productivity and Genetic Potential

Breeding pigs are selected for their genetic potential to produce offspring with desirable traits. Diseases can severely compromise this potential. Vaccinations help these animals express their full genetic capacity by keeping them healthy, allowing them to breed efficiently and produce strong, viable litters. This directly translates to better overall farm productivity and profitability.

Key Diseases to Vaccinate Against in Breeding Pigs

A comprehensive vaccination program targets specific diseases that pose significant threats to pig reproduction and overall health. While specific needs may vary by region and farm, the following diseases are commonly included in breeding pig vaccination protocols:

1. Porcine Parvovirus (PPV)

• Impact: A major cause of reproductive failure in swine, leading to mummified fetuses, stillbirths, and reduced litter sizes. It primarily affects gilts during their first pregnancy.
• Why vaccinate: Vaccination is highly effective in preventing these reproductive losses.

2. Leptospirosis (Lepto)

• Impact: Caused by bacteria, Leptospirosis can lead to abortions, stillbirths, weak piglets, and infertility in breeding pigs. It can also be zoonotic, meaning it can spread to humans.
• Why vaccinate: Protects against reproductive failure and reduces the risk of human exposure.

3. Erysipelas

• Impact: A bacterial disease causing sudden death, diamond-shaped skin lesions, lameness, and reproductive issues like abortions and infertility.
• Why vaccinate: Prevents acute illness and chronic joint problems, protecting productivity.

4. Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)

• Impact: A highly significant viral disease causing severe reproductive failure (abortions, stillbirths, mummified fetuses, weak piglets) and respiratory disease in all ages of pigs. PRRS is complex due to its many strains.
• Why vaccinate: While vaccines may not prevent infection entirely, they can significantly reduce the clinical signs and economic impact of the disease. Vaccination strategies for PRRS are often herd-specific and require careful veterinary consultation.

5. Mycoplasma Hyopneumoniae

• Impact: The primary cause of enzootic pneumonia, leading to chronic coughing, reduced growth rates, and increased susceptibility to other respiratory infections. While primarily respiratory, it impacts overall health and productivity.
• Why vaccinate: Improves respiratory health, reduces medication costs, and enhances growth performance, indirectly benefiting breeding animals.

6. Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2)

• Impact: Associated with various diseases, including Porcine Circovirus Associated Disease (PCVAD), which can cause wasting, respiratory disease, reproductive failure, and immunosuppression.
• Why vaccinate: Highly effective vaccines are available to prevent PCVAD, improving overall pig health and performance.

7. Swine Influenza (Flu)

• Impact: Causes acute respiratory disease, fever, coughing, and anorexia, leading to significant production losses and sometimes reproductive issues if sows become severely ill.
• Why vaccinate: Reduces the severity and duration of illness, helping to maintain herd health and productivity.

8. Colibacillosis (E. coli)

• Impact: While primarily a disease of young piglets causing severe diarrhea (scours), vaccinating gilts and sows pre-farrowing is crucial. This transfers maternal antibodies through colostrum to protect their offspring.
• Why vaccinate: Protects newborn piglets from deadly E. coli infections.

9. Clostridial Diseases (e.g., Clostridium perfringens Type C)

• Impact: Similar to E. coli, Clostridial diseases cause severe enteritis and high mortality in very young piglets. Vaccinating the dam provides passive immunity.
• Why vaccinate: Essential for preventing neonatal piglet diarrhea and death.

Understanding Vaccine Types and Administration

Knowing the different types of vaccines and how to administer them correctly is fundamental to a successful vaccination program.

Modified Live (MLV) vs. Killed Vaccines

• Modified Live Vaccines (MLV): Contain a weakened (attenuated) form of the live virus or bacteria. They typically stimulate a strong, long-lasting immune response, often with fewer doses. However, they require careful handling and may pose a small risk to pregnant animals or immunocompromised individuals if not used correctly.
• Killed Vaccines: Contain inactivated (killed) pathogens. They are generally safer for pregnant animals and have a longer shelf life. However, they often require multiple doses (boosters) to achieve adequate immunity and may not stimulate as robust or long-lasting an immune response as MLVs.

Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate type based on the disease, the specific vaccine product, and your herd’s health status.

Routes of Administration

Vaccines are administered in various ways, each with specific techniques:

• Intramuscular (IM): Injected deep into the muscle. Common sites include the neck muscle behind the ear.
• Subcutaneous (SQ): Injected under the skin. Common sites include the loose skin behind the ear or in the flank region.
• Intranasal (IN): Administered directly into the nostril, often used for respiratory vaccines.
• Oral: Administered by mouth, less common for breeding pig vaccines but used for some piglet vaccines.

Always follow the vaccine manufacturer’s instructions for the correct route and site of administration.

Proper Handling and Storage

Vaccines are biological products and must be handled with care to maintain their effectiveness:

• Refrigeration: Most vaccines require refrigeration (typically 35-45°F or 2-7°C). Do not freeze.
• Light Protection: Store in the original packaging or a dark place to protect from light.
• Mixing: Reconstitute (mix) MLV vaccines just before use. Use entire contents once mixed.
• Expiration Dates: Never use expired vaccines.
• Cleanliness: Use sterile needles and syringes for each animal to prevent contamination and disease transmission.

Vaccination Protocols for Gilts

Gilts are the future of your breeding herd, and their vaccination program is critical for establishing robust immunity before they enter the breeding cycle. A well-planned protocol ensures they are protected and can pass on vital immunity to their offspring.

Importance of Acclimation and Isolation

Before vaccination, new gilts should undergo a period of acclimation and isolation. This allows them to adjust to their new environment, recover from transport stress, and be exposed to the farm’s specific pathogens in a controlled manner. During this time, they can be monitored for any signs of illness, and a baseline health assessment can be made before vaccination begins. This period typically lasts 30-60 days.

Pre-breeding Vaccination Schedule

The primary goal is to ensure gilts have strong, protective immunity against key reproductive diseases before their first breeding. This usually involves a series of initial doses followed by boosters.

• Porcine Parvovirus (PPV), Leptospirosis, Erysipelas (PLE): These are often combined into a single vaccine.
  • First Dose: 6-8 weeks prior to breeding.
  • Second Dose (Booster): 3-4 weeks after the first dose (i.e., 3-4 weeks prior to breeding). This booster is crucial for establishing long-lasting immunity.
• Mycoplasma Hyopneumoniae:
  • First Dose: Around 8-10 weeks of age (if not vaccinated as piglets).
  • Second Dose (Booster): 3-4 weeks after the first dose.
• Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2):
  • First Dose: Around 8-10 weeks of age (if not vaccinated as piglets).
  • Second Dose (Booster): 3-4 weeks after the first dose (depending on vaccine type).
• PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome):
  • Timing: Often given during the acclimation period, 4-6 weeks prior to breeding. The specific protocol (MLV vs. killed, number of doses) depends heavily on the farm’s PRRS status and veterinary advice. Some farms may choose to vaccinate all incoming gilts, while others might only vaccinate if PRRS is endemic.
• Swine Influenza:
  • Timing: If endemic on the farm, often given 3-4 weeks prior to breeding, with an annual booster.

Vaccination During Gestation (for Passive Immunity to Piglets)

Certain vaccines are administered to gilts (and sows) during late gestation to boost maternal antibodies that are then passed to newborn piglets through colostrum. This provides critical early protection for the piglets against common neonatal diseases.

• E. coli (Colibacillosis):
  • Timing: Typically 2-3 weeks before farrowing.
• Clostridium perfringens Type C:
  • Timing: Typically 2-3 weeks before farrowing.

Table 1: Sample Gilt Vaccination Schedule (Consult Your Veterinarian for Specifics)

Age/Stage	Vaccine(s)	Notes
Acclimation Period (60-90 days prior to breeding)	PRRS, Mycoplasma, PCV2	Initial doses; specific timing depends on vaccine type and farm status. Often 2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart.
6-8 Weeks Prior to Breeding	PPV, Leptospirosis, Erysipelas (PLE) – Dose 1	Start primary series for reproductive diseases.
3-4 Weeks Prior to Breeding	PPV, Leptospirosis, Erysipelas (PLE) – Dose 2 (Booster)	Crucial booster for strong immunity. May include Swine Flu.
2-3 Weeks Before Farrowing (Late Gestation)	E. coli, Clostridium perfringens Type C	For passive immunity transfer to piglets via colostrum.
Subsequent Farrowings	E. coli, Clostridium perfringens Type C (Booster)	Administer 2-3 weeks before each subsequent farrowing.

Vaccination Protocols for Boars

Boars play a critical role in the reproductive success of a herd, and their health is just as important as that of the gilts and sows. While they don’t carry litters, they can carry and transmit diseases, and their reproductive performance can be negatively impacted by illness.

Role in Herd Health

Boars are often housed separately and may be exposed to different pathogens or have less frequent contact with the main breeding herd. However, they are a constant source of genetics and, if unwell, can be a source of infection. A healthy boar ensures optimal semen quality and libido, both essential for high conception rates.

Initial Vaccination Schedule for Young Boars

Young boars intended for breeding should follow a similar initial vaccination schedule to gilts to establish foundational immunity.

• Porcine Parvovirus (PPV), Leptospirosis, Erysipelas (PLE):
  • First Dose: Around 6-8 months of age (or when entering the breeding herd).
  • Second Dose (Booster): 3-4 weeks after the first dose.
• Mycoplasma Hyopneumoniae:
  • First Dose: If not vaccinated as piglets, around 8-10 weeks of age.
  • Second Dose (Booster): 3-4 weeks after the first dose.
• Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2):
  • First Dose: If not vaccinated as piglets, around 8-10 weeks of age.
  • Second Dose (Booster): 3-4 weeks after the first dose (depending on vaccine type).
• PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome):
  • Timing: Similar to gilts, depending on farm PRRS status. Often vaccinated upon entry into the breeding herd or during isolation.
• Swine Influenza:
  • Timing: If endemic on the farm, often given as part of the initial series.

Regular Booster Schedule for Active Boars

Unlike gilts/sows who receive boosters before each farrowing, boars typically require regular, periodic boosters to maintain their immunity throughout their active breeding life. The frequency depends on the vaccine type and disease risk.

• PPV, Leptospirosis, Erysipelas (PLE):
  • Frequency: Typically every 6 months. Some protocols may extend to annually depending on product and risk.
• Mycoplasma Hyopneumoniae:
  • Frequency: Often annually, or every 6 months in high-risk environments.
• PCV2:
  • Frequency: Annually, or as per vaccine manufacturer’s recommendations.
• PRRS & Swine Influenza:
  • Frequency: Protocols vary greatly based on farm-specific risks and veterinary advice. Could be every 3-6 months for PRRS in unstable herds, or annually for stable herds. Swine Flu is often an annual booster.

Importance of Ongoing Monitoring

Even with a robust vaccination program, boars should be regularly monitored for signs of illness, lameness, or reduced libido. Any changes should prompt veterinary consultation. Semen quality checks are also vital and can sometimes indicate underlying health issues that vaccinations might help prevent.

Table 2: Sample Boar Vaccination Schedule (Consult Your Veterinarian for Specifics)

Age/Stage	Vaccine(s)	Notes
Initial Entry/Start of Breeding Life (e.g., 6-8 months old)	PPV, Leptospirosis, Erysipelas (PLE) – Dose 1 Mycoplasma, PCV2 – Dose 1 (if not previously vaccinated)	Establish foundational immunity.
3-4 Weeks After Initial Dose	PPV, Leptospirosis, Erysipelas (PLE) – Dose 2 (Booster) Mycoplasma, PCV2 – Dose 2 (Booster)	Crucial for strong, lasting immunity.
Ongoing Maintenance (Every 6 Months)	PPV, Leptospirosis, Erysipelas (PLE) – Booster	Regular boosters to maintain protection against key reproductive diseases.
Ongoing Maintenance (Annually or as needed)	Mycoplasma, PCV2, Swine Flu, PRRS (if applicable) – Booster	Frequency for these may vary based on specific farm risk and veterinary advice.

General Vaccination Best Practices

Beyond the specific schedules, adhering to general best practices is crucial for maximizing vaccine efficacy and ensuring animal safety.

Consultation with a Veterinarian

This is arguably the most important step. A qualified swine veterinarian understands local disease prevalence, your farm’s specific history, and the latest vaccine technologies. They can help you:

• Develop a tailored vaccination program.
• Diagnose existing herd health issues.
• Advise on vaccine selection (MLV vs. killed, specific brands).
• Provide training on proper administration techniques.
• Help troubleshoot vaccine failures or adverse reactions.

Accurate Record Keeping

Maintain detailed records for each animal or group, including:

• Date of vaccination.
• Vaccine name and manufacturer.
• Lot number and expiration date.
• Dose administered.
• Route of administration (IM, SQ).
• Name of person administering the vaccine.
• Any observed reactions.

Good records help track compliance, investigate issues, and plan future vaccinations. They are also vital for quality assurance and regulatory purposes.

Proper Needle Size and Technique

• Needle Size: Use appropriate gauge and length for the pig’s size and the injection site. Generally, 18- or 20-gauge needles are common for breeding pigs, with lengths ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches for IM injections.
• Sterility: Always use sterile, disposable needles and syringes for each animal. Never reuse needles, as this can spread disease and cause abscesses.
• Injection Site: Choose the correct site (e.g., neck muscle for IM) and clean it if visibly dirty.
• Technique: Ensure the needle penetrates fully into the muscle or under the skin as intended. Administer the vaccine slowly and smoothly.

Managing Stress

Stress can suppress the immune system, making vaccines less effective. Minimize stress during vaccination by:

• Handling pigs calmly and quietly.
• Using appropriate handling facilities.
• Avoiding vaccinating sick or overly stressed animals.
• Ensuring animals have access to feed and water before and after vaccination.

Biosecurity Measures

Vaccination is a part of biosecurity, not a replacement for it. Implement strong biosecurity protocols to prevent disease introduction and spread:

• Control access to the farm.
• Quarantine and test new animals.
• Implement strict hygiene practices (e.g., “all-in, all-out” systems, cleaning and disinfection).
• Manage manure and dead animals properly.

Environmental Factors

Ensure pigs are in a clean, dry, and comfortable environment before and after vaccination. Extreme temperatures or poor ventilation can add stress and impact immune response.

Vaccine Storage and Handling

Reiterate the importance of storing vaccines at recommended temperatures, protecting them from light, and using them before their expiration date. Once opened or mixed, most vaccines have a limited shelf life and should be used promptly or discarded.

Adverse Reactions

While rare, adverse reactions can occur. These might include localized swelling at the injection site, fever, lethargy, or, in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. Monitor animals after vaccination and be prepared to consult your veterinarian if reactions occur. Report any severe reactions to the vaccine manufacturer.

Addressing Common Challenges in Pig Vaccination

Even with the best protocols, challenges can arise. Understanding these and how to address them can save time and resources.

Cost vs. Benefit

Vaccines represent an upfront cost, and it’s easy to question their value, especially when the herd appears healthy. However, the cost of an outbreak (lost production, treatment, mortality) almost always far outweighs the cost of a preventive vaccination program. A cost-benefit analysis with your veterinarian can help illustrate the economic advantages of vaccination.

Vaccine Failure (Causes and Prevention)

Vaccine failure occurs when vaccinated animals still get sick. Common reasons include:

• Improper storage or handling: Leading to inactivated vaccine.
• Incorrect administration: Wrong route, dose, or technique.
• Vaccinating sick or stressed animals: Weakened immune systems may not respond effectively.
• Maternal antibody interference: Piglets with high maternal antibodies may not respond to early vaccinations.
• New or variant strains: Vaccines may not protect against all circulating strains of a pathogen (e.g., PRRS, Flu).
• Overwhelming challenge: Animals exposed to an extremely high dose of the pathogen might still get sick despite vaccination.
• Immunosuppression: Other diseases or conditions compromising the immune system.

Prevention: Adhere strictly to manufacturer guidelines, ensure proper animal health at vaccination, and consult your veterinarian for diagnostic testing if failures occur.

Emerging Diseases

The swine industry constantly faces new or evolving disease threats. Staying informed through veterinary associations, industry news, and your local veterinarian is crucial. This allows for rapid adaptation of vaccination programs if new threats emerge or existing ones change their behavior.

Herd Specificity

No two farms are exactly alike. Factors like herd size, production system (farrow-to-finish, feeder pig production), geographical location, purchasing practices, and existing disease status all influence the optimal vaccination program. What works perfectly for one farm might not be ideal for another. This reinforces the need for personalized veterinary advice.

The Role of Nutrition and Management in Supporting Immunity

Vaccinations are highly effective, but they work best when supported by excellent overall animal husbandry. A pig’s immune system is stronger and more responsive when the animal is well-nourished and lives in a low-stress environment.

Feed Quality

Proper nutrition provides the essential building blocks for a robust immune system. Deficiencies in vitamins (especially A, E, and B vitamins), minerals (like selenium, zinc, copper), and protein can impair immune function, making pigs more susceptible to disease and potentially reducing their response to vaccines.

• Ensure diets are balanced and appropriate for the pig’s age and physiological state (e.g., gestation, lactation, growing).
• Use high-quality feed ingredients.
• Store feed properly to prevent spoilage and mold growth, which can produce toxins that suppress immunity.

Stress Reduction

Chronic stress significantly weakens the immune system. Sources of stress in pigs include:

• Overcrowding: Leads to competition for resources and increased aggression.
• Poor ventilation: Causes respiratory irritation and accumulation of harmful gases.
• Temperature extremes: Both too hot and too cold can be stressful.
• Mixing unfamiliar groups: Causes social stress and fighting.
• Rough handling: Increases fear and anxiety.

Minimizing these stressors helps pigs maintain a strong immune response, allowing their bodies to better fight off infections and respond effectively to vaccines.

Housing Conditions

A clean, dry, and comfortable living environment is fundamental to pig health. Poor housing conditions can lead to:

• Increased pathogen load: Dirty pens, wet bedding, and poor waste removal create ideal breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses.
• Respiratory issues: Dust, ammonia, and inadequate airflow contribute to respiratory diseases.
• Thermal stress: Inadequate insulation or heating/cooling can lead to energy expenditure on maintaining body temperature rather than immune function.

Regular cleaning and disinfection, proper ventilation, and appropriate stocking densities are essential for reducing disease pressure and supporting the pigs’ natural defenses.

For more insights into maintaining animal health through preventative measures, you might find this article on Dog Vaccines & Boosters: How Often Does Your Dog Need Shots? helpful, as it discusses general principles of vaccination and immune health relevant across species.

Why a Tailored Vaccination Program is Essential

While general guidelines exist, a “one-size-fits-all” approach to pig vaccination rarely works perfectly. A truly effective program is customized to your specific farm, which is why veterinary consultation is paramount.

Herd History

Understanding the past and current disease status of your herd is critical. Has PRRS been a recurring issue? Are you seeing signs of Mycoplasma pneumonia? Knowing which diseases have affected your pigs previously helps prioritize vaccinations and choose the most effective products.

Geographic Location

Disease prevalence varies by region. Some diseases might be endemic in your area, while others are rare. Local veterinarians are best equipped to advise on regional disease patterns and risks.

Disease Prevalence

Beyond geographical location, the specific prevalence within your immediate farming community or neighboring farms can influence your risk. Participation in local producer groups or regular communication with your vet about regional outbreaks is beneficial.

Production System

Different production systems present different disease challenges:

• Farrow-to-finish operations: Diseases can cycle through different age groups on the same site.
• Wean-to-finish or feeder pig operations: Animals are often sourced from multiple farms, increasing exposure to various pathogens.
• Outdoor vs. indoor systems: Environmental exposure differs.
• Closed vs. open herds: The introduction of new animals (open herds) poses a higher biosecurity risk and requires stricter protocols.

Each system requires a unique approach to vaccination and biosecurity.

Conclusion

Implementing a robust and well-managed vaccination program for your breeding gilts and boars is an investment that pays significant dividends in herd health, productivity, and profitability. It’s not just about giving shots; it’s about understanding the diseases, choosing the right vaccines, administering them correctly, and integrating them into a comprehensive biosecurity and management strategy.

Remember, your veterinarian is your most valuable partner in this endeavor. Their expertise in diagnosing specific farm challenges, recommending tailored protocols, and staying abreast of new vaccine technologies will ensure your breeding pigs remain healthy, productive, and resilient against disease threats. Prioritize their health, and they will, in turn, contribute to the sustained success of your farm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often should breeding pigs be vaccinated?

A1: The frequency varies depending on the specific vaccine and the pig’s role. Gilts typically receive a primary series before their first breeding and then boosters for passive immunity to piglets before each farrowing. Boars usually receive initial vaccinations and then regular boosters every 6 to 12 months, depending on the vaccine and disease risk. Always follow your veterinarian’s advice and vaccine manufacturer’s recommendations.

Q2: Can I vaccinate pregnant gilts or sows?

A2: Yes, some vaccines are specifically designed and recommended for use in pregnant gilts and sows during late gestation. These are typically inactivated (killed) vaccines, such as those for E. coli and Clostridium perfringens, which aim to boost maternal antibodies for transfer to newborn piglets via colostrum. However, not all vaccines are safe for pregnant animals. Always check the vaccine label and consult your veterinarian before vaccinating pregnant animals.

Q3: What are the risks of not vaccinating my breeding pigs?

A3: Not vaccinating significantly increases the risk of disease outbreaks. This can lead to severe economic losses due to reduced litter sizes, stillbirths, abortions, increased piglet mortality, higher veterinary treatment costs, reduced growth rates, and the potential culling of affected breeding stock. It also compromises animal welfare due to increased suffering from illness.

Q4: How do I know if a vaccine is working?

A4: The primary sign a vaccine is working is the absence of the disease it protects against within your herd. If vaccinated animals are still getting sick, it could indicate vaccine failure (due to improper storage/administration, overwhelming disease challenge, or a variant strain). Your veterinarian can perform diagnostic tests (e.g., blood tests for antibody levels) to assess immune response or investigate the cause of vaccine failure.

Q5: Are there side effects to pig vaccinations?

A5: Most pigs tolerate vaccinations well. Minor, temporary side effects can include slight swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection site. Some pigs might show mild, short-term lethargy or a slight fever. Serious adverse reactions, such as anaphylactic shock, are rare but can occur. Always monitor pigs after vaccination and consult your veterinarian if you observe any concerning or severe reactions.

Q6: What is the difference between MLV and killed vaccines?

A6: Modified Live Vaccines (MLV) contain a weakened, live form of the pathogen, stimulating a strong, often long-lasting immune response. Killed vaccines contain inactivated pathogens, are generally safer for pregnant animals, but may require more doses and booster shots to achieve adequate immunity. Your veterinarian will recommend the best type based on the disease and your herd’s specific situation.

Q7: Can I vaccinate pigs myself, or do I need a veterinarian?

A7: While many common pig vaccines can be purchased and administered by experienced producers, it is highly recommended to work closely with a veterinarian. They can help you design a comprehensive, farm-specific vaccination program, train you on proper injection techniques, advise on vaccine selection, and help troubleshoot any health issues or vaccine failures. For certain prescription-only vaccines or complex disease situations, veterinary involvement is essential.