[Helencus]

Hi I've only just read up about Erysipylas (forgive spelling) and I'm not sure what views are on vaccination of breeding stock here. My 2 gilts are in pig due to farrow early January can I and should I get them vaccinated? Also the boar what do people do on here? I'm a bit worried I've missed something I shouldve sorted sooner advice gratefully received. Thanks
Helen

[oaklandspigs]

One of those catch 22's. 

We don't vacinate for this,  but take care of where we buy any stock from, and run a sort of "closed herd" putting new stock in isolation.

If you don't have it and don't introduce it (sheep can also carry it), then vacination is not needed, but pigs can carry it sub-clinically (show no signs) and only show it when stressed from other illness, or pass it on to suseptible pigs.

With 45 sows if we vacinated against everything we would make no money, so make a judgement call.

Can now feel everyone going down with it as I write !


 

[Helencus]

Thanks Oaklands. I don't introduce new animals other than the boar who had a week in isolation before we mixed him in. They all look fit and well. I do only have 3 so I guess cost wise it would be a lot less than you. I guess I'll have to look at cost per pig and if we get any ladies to our boar or let him visit I'd have to think again prior.
Appreciate your views.
Cheers H

[HappyHippy]

I do vaccinate against it.
I only keep pigs, always do the isolation period when bringing new stock in, but I just wouldn't take the chance of losing any of my breeding stock (okay, so they don't die from it, but you can't breed from them after - it weakens the joints)

I buy it from these guys http://www.vetmedsdirect.co.uk/search.php?search_query=ery and at £12 for 25 doses or £20 for 50 doses it's a small price to pay every 6 months for MY peace of mind.

If you do decide to vaccinate, you'll need to give 2 doses, 4 weeks apart initially, then 6 monthly thereafter. It's a live vaccine and CANNOT be stored to use again, so you'll need to get 2 bottles for the first time. It's fine to vaccinate while they are in-pig, and I do my boar at the same time (but I've got a real soft spot for him and don't want to sausage him unless I REALLY need to )

HTH
Karen x

[gavo]

We don't vaccinate we have never had any bother in 7 years of keeping and breeding pigs. It is actually alot less common than some would have you believe, pigs kept extensively are generally under very little stress and therefore suffer very few health issues.But you have to do what you feel comfortable with personally i hate having to inject any pig for anything as they do hate them sooooo much.

[HappyHippy]

I don't like having to jag them either (but it's just me lol!) the worst bit is the squeeling piglets, but only cos they've been picked up - the jag doesn't seem to bother them. Even my boar doesn't seem to notice - but I think it's all in the timing. If the needle goes in to him at the same time his head goes into the feed trough, he just carries on eating

[Helencus]

Thanks for replies. Given I've only 3 it's not so expensive then. What about injecting , I've heard of a slapshot device ate these any good? Are they expensive? Any experience of these?

[HappyHippy]

I've no experience of them - but there are folk here that use them.
I've just got a big palm strike syringe for the adults (nice and quick)

[oaklandspigs]

I use slapshot and find it really good - cheap and easy to use, much better than a syringe alone.

http://www.slapshot-flex-vac.com/default.htm

http://www.farmandcountrysupplies.co.uk/slapshot-vaccinator-needle-not-included.ir?cName=farm-smallholding-medical-healthcare-medicines-needles-drenchers-pour-on-applicators

I have no commercial interest, and post the above for info only.

Others use masterject - shown on Sunday's Countryfile I think, and this looks even better, but costs £170, so needs regular use to justify costs

http://www.masterject.com/

http://www.fearing.co.uk/masterject/default.aspx

HH, what and where did you get your "palm strike syringe" from - google'd it and just got lots of kung-fu stuff, presume you don't karate chop them?

[HappyHippy]

LOL ! No, no karate chops here  (just yummy GOS x LB chops )
Hubby calls it a palm strike syringe (I think it's just a standard one) I got it from Holmefield Farm Services in York, but here's a pic from another website
http://www.fearing.co.uk/re-usable-syringes/Default.aspx