Worm pigs prior to mating with e.g. Panacur. For adult pigs we have subsequently found that 'Ivomec' wormer, as used for sheep is more effective than Panacur. Add the wormer, in correct dosage, to some food, piece of bread with jam on, for ease of administration.

Two weeks before farrowing worm the sow again and move her to clean ground in her farrowing pen.

The piglets need worming at weaning when they are 6 - 8 weeks old. Should a piglet, at any time, cough for more than a day i.e. a strong cough followed by chewing and swallowing, worm straight away.

A dose of  Ivomec wormer  has been found to be far more effective as it will treat internal and external parasites. It can be given as a subcutaneous injection at the rate of 1ml per 33kg of bodyweight. For young pigs a 1ml syringe that can accurately deliver 0.1 ml is required. The required dosage given to a hungry pig on a piece of bread and jam has been found to work extremely effectively. This method does save bent needles and chasing angry pigs.

The dose is 2 ml per pig given by deep intramuscular injection behind the ear. The initial vaccination should be given to males and females when they reach the age of 6 months. Sows and gilts should be vaccinated 2-4 weeks before each service. Boars should be vaccinated every 6 months.

The dose is 2ml per pig administered by subcutaneous injection at the base of the ear. Gilts should be vaccinated at 6 & 3 weeks prior to expected date of farrowing with booster doses at approx. 3 weeks prior to subsequent farrowings.

The piglets should be vaccinated at 8 weeks of age with a repeat dose 14 days later.

A single dose of 2ml should be administered by subcutaneous injection followed by a second dose 2-4 weeks later.

Piglets should have their first dose at 8 weeks of age with a repeat dose after 2 weeks.

Adult pigs should have a booster 2ml doses every 6 months and again 3 weeks before each subsequent farrowing.

Piglets should be injected in the fold of the flank on the inner side of the front leg. Adult pigs should be injected behind one of their ears

HEAT STRESS

HEAT STRESS is a serious problem for pigs and MAFF have pamphlets on this subject and therefore in the absence of natural shelter a tarpaulin stretched between their arc and a nearby fence will provide a shelter. They will always look for a stream or a muddy ditch to wallow in and this is the best solution to prevent heat stress. If your ground doesn't have a wet patch, a shallow metal or plastic trough should be provided for them to wallow in.