Managing your pigs' health

Losing just one productive pig can cost you a great deal of money. In this, the third instalment in our series on livestock first aid, Prof Cheryl McCrindle of the University of Pretoria discusses the medications and equipment you should have on your pig farm at all times.

- Prof Cheryl McCrindle

FAST FACTS

There are numerous diseases that can affect your pigs, and these need to be treated timeously to prevent spread.

The first-aid kit is made up of three groups of components, and each should be kept in a separate container.

Keep the kit clean and neat, and check it regularly for any expired medicines.

Whether you’re a small-scale or commercial pig farmer, it’s a good idea to think about assembling a first-aid kit for your animals. Keep in mind that you should include your veterinarian in the planning of this first-aid kit, as you’ll need to have on hand a few scheduled medications that have a withdrawal period before an animal can be slaughtered. Another important factor to remember is that at least one employee will need to be trained in the use of the kit.

A first-aid kit for humans is compulsory for any business with more than five employees, while a business with more than 10 employees also requires a trained first-aider.

Remember that the loss of even a single animal can reduce the already narrow profit margins in the pork trade.

As mentioned in an earlier article on this subject, (see FW, 25 February 2022), a first-aid kit is basically made up of three groups of components. The first includes those medications that need refrigeration and have fairly short expiry dates, such as injectable antibiotics and vaccines.