Because vaccinating a swine herd against every possible disease is cost-prohibitive, some vaccines are administered only when the threat of an illness is deemed imminent. This is the case with swine influenza (also called swine flu).
Instructions
Examine the swine herd for signs of swine influenza. Symptoms include respiratory infection and coughing. Symptoms can run their course in three to seven days, but may result in death.
Select the appropriate injection type for the pig. The two safest types of injections, resulting in the least potential damage to the swine and the quality of its meat, are subcutaneous (into the skin) and intramuscular (into the muscle).
Choose the appropriate needle gauge and length for the injection. The National Pork Producers Council has published an "Injection Reference Chart" to specify which gauges work, depending on the age of the pig and the type of injection.
For subcutaneous injections, the chart is as follows:
Nursery pigs, 1/2-inch syringe
Finisher pigs, 3/4-inch syringe
Sows, 1-inch syringe
For intramuscular injections, the chart is as follows:
Baby pigs, 18 to 20 gauge, 5/8- to 1/2-inch syringe
Nursery pigs, 16 to 18 gauge, 3/4- to 5/8-inch syringe
Finisher pigs, 16 gauge, 1-inch syringe
Breeding stock, 14 to 16 gauge, 1- to 1-and-1/2-inch syringe
Secure the pig properly and safely. Use clean, unbent needles. Discard needles after 20 uses.
Subcutaneous injection sites are in the loose skin behind the ears or the loose skin in the flank and elbows. The intramuscular injection site is in the neck, just behind and below the pig's ear. Avoid intramuscular injections into the ham.