Needle Use

 

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 Mycoplasma suis is a problem needles may not be shared,

discuss this with the practice

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

kg

 

Subcutaneous injections

1

Piglet       16 mm 0.8 mm

1 - 7

1

Piglet           16 mm 0.8 mm

2

Weaner   25 mm 1.1 mm

7 - 25

2

Weaner       16 mm 0.8 mm

3

Grower   25 mm 1.1 mm

25 - 60

3

Grower       16 mm 1.1 mm

4

Finisher  25 mm 1.3 mm

60-100

4

Finisher      16 mm 1.1 mm

5

Adult       40 mm 1.3 mm

 

5

Adult          25 mm 1.1 mm

Accidental self injection

1

Inform manager (or assistant manager) immediately

2

Obtain relevant data sheet

3

Telephone local medical centre for advice

4

Be taken to the medical centre.  Do not drive yourself

5

Go to local medical centre with data sheet and name and telephone of the farm veterinarian

6

Fill in accident book