Porky

Question
QUESTION: I have a white pot bellied pig about 1 1/2 years old.  We think he weights about 100 pounds.  It was very difficult to find a vet in my area to treat Porky.  We took him for his first year check up and the vet told me he did not need any shots because he was not around other pigs.  Does this sound correct. We live in La Canada, Ca 91011.

ANSWER:  Your vet is probably correct.
Be sure and worm him.
An erysipelis shot might be appropriate.
Pigs can get it from bacteria in the soil.
Good luck,
Priscilla Valentine

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QUESTION: Does a vet worm him or can we and what do we do.  Does the erysipellis shot need to be given every year?

Answer
A vet should give him 2 shots of Ivermectin parasite killer, 14 days apart.
This will worm the pig and kill mange mites, too.
Many pigs have mange mites....does he seem to scratch or itch a lot?
Also, we give our pigs erysipelas shots once a year. Pigs do not build an immunity up to this fast and fatal disease.
Here in our area, it is spread by birds that eat infected fish, then defecate in the soil.
The pigs snout touches the soil, and he can catch it.
Good luck,
Priscilla Valentine
www.valentinesperformingpigs.com