Pig Health Management and Vaccination in Kenya

A complete guide to pig disease prevention, vaccination schedules, and deworming protocols for smallholder pig farmers in Kenya.

Introduction

Pigs are susceptible to several diseases that can wipe out an entire herd if not managed properly. Prevention through vaccination, deworming, and good biosecurity is far cheaper than treatment.

Pig Vaccination Schedule

Disease	Vaccine	Age	Frequency
African Swine Fever (ASF)	No vaccine available	-	Prevention only
Foot & Mouth Disease	FMD Vaccine	3 months+	Every 6 months
Erysipelas	Erysipelas Vaccine	8-10 weeks	Every 6 months
Parvovirus	Parvo Vaccine	Gilts before first mating	Annually
Leptospirosis	Lepto Vaccine	10-12 weeks	Annually
E.coli (piglets)	E.coli Vaccine	Sows 3-5 weeks pre-farrowing	Each pregnancy

African Swine Fever (ASF) - Critical Warning

ASF is the most devastating disease for pigs in Kenya. There is NO vaccine or treatment.

Symptoms:

Sudden high fever (40-42°C)
Red/purple discoloration of skin (ears, snout, belly)
Vomiting and diarrhea (bloody)
Death within 2-10 days
Mortality: up to 100%

Prevention (ONLY option):

Never feed kitchen waste/swill without cooking to 100°C
Strictly control visitor access
Never bring new pigs from unknown sources without quarantine
Report suspected ASF to nearest Vet immediately

If ASF suspected: Report immediately to County Veterinary Department

Deworming Schedule

Category	Product	Timing
Piglets	Ivermectin or Fenbendazole	At weaning (3-4 weeks)
Growers	Ivermectin injectable or oral	Every 3 months
Sows	Ivermectin	2 weeks before farrowing
Boars	Ivermectin	Every 6 months

Common Pig Diseases in Kenya

1. Porcine Reproductive & Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)

Signs: Reproductive failure in sows, respiratory distress in piglets
Prevention: Closed herd, biosecurity, buy from PRRS-free farms

2. Streptococcal Meningitis

Signs: Sudden death, circling, convulsions in young pigs
Treatment: Penicillin (consult vet), supportive care

3. Mange (Sarcoptic)

Signs: Intense itching, crusty skin, hair loss
Treatment: Ivermectin injection, topical acaricide

4. Swine Dysentery

Signs: Bloody mucoid diarrhea
Treatment: Tiamulin, Lincomycin (vet prescription)

Biosecurity Essentials

Quarantine all new animals for 30 days
Dedicated boots and clothing for pig house
Footbath at entrance (change disinfectant weekly)
No feeding of raw kitchen waste/garbage
Rodent control - they transmit leptospirosis
Dead pigs: burn or bury deep (2 metres)

Feeding for Health

Provide clean fresh water daily (ad libitum)
Balanced diet prevents nutritional deficiencies
Vitamin E and Selenium prevent mulberry heart disease
Avoid sudden feed changes - causes digestive upsets

Signs of a Healthy Pig

Active, curious behavior
Good appetite
Pink skin (in light breeds)
Firm droppings
Steady weight gain