Using Needles

Garth Pig Stockmanship Standards

Section: Stockmanship Standards

Using Needles
Needle Use
1	Always use a sharp new disposable needle each day.
2	When injecting a group of healthy pigs do not use the same needle for more than 10 - 12 pigs (one litter). Note: If Eperythrozoonosis is a problem needles should not be shared, discuss this with your vet.
3	Never use a blunt needle
4	Needles must not go from a sick pig to a healthy pig.
5	Only use a clean needle to draw out of a vaccine bottle.
6	Dispose of used needles (and blades) in a proper Sharps bin.
7	Return full Sharps bin to the veterinarian for safe disposal.
8	Do not share needles with another stockperson.
Needle Length and Size
?	Intramuscular			Liveweight kg	Subcutaneous injections
1	Piglet	5/8"	21g	1 - 7	Piglet	5/8	21g
2	Weaner	1"	19g	7 - 25	Weaner	5/8"	21g
3	Grower	1"	19g	25 - 60	Grower	1/2"	19g
4	Finisher	1"	16g	60 - 100	Finisher	1/2"	19g
5	Adult	1.5"	16g	?	Adult	1"	19g
Accidental Self Injection
1	Inform manager (or assistant manager) immediately.
2	Obtain relevant data sheet and/or COSHH sheet
3	Telephone local medical centre for advice.
4	Be taken to the local medical centre with data sheet and name and telephone of the farm veterinarian. Do not drive yourself.

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Extracted from Garth Pig Stockmanship Standards*
written by Dr John Carr.

You can buy this book HERE
*Published by 5M Enterprises Limited