Pig Disease Prevention and Vaccination Cost in Nigeria

Pig farming in Nigeria can be a very profitable venture, but it comes with one major challenge — disease control. Diseases can spread fast among pigs, reducing growth, causing death, and resulting in huge financial losses. Many farmers lose up to half of their herd simply because of poor hygiene and lack of proper vaccination.

To maintain a healthy pig farm and achieve maximum profit, understanding disease prevention and vaccination is very important. This article explains common pig diseases in Nigeria, how to prevent them, and the average cost of vaccination.

Disease Prevention Is Important

Prevention is always cheaper than cure. A farmer who spends ₦500 to ₦1,000 per pig on preventive care saves far more than one who spends ₦20,000 treating sick pigs. Healthy pigs grow faster, reproduce better, and consume feed efficiently. Diseases not only reduce productivity but can also make your farm a source of infection to neighboring pig farms. Keeping your herd healthy protects your investment and ensures long-term sustainability.

Common Pig Diseases in Nigeria

Pig diseases can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or poor management. Below are some of the most common diseases Nigerian farmers face:

1. African Swine Fever (ASF)

African Swine Fever is one of the deadliest viral diseases in pigs. It spreads quickly and can wipe out an entire farm within days. Sadly, there is no cure or vaccine for ASF.

Symptoms:

• Sudden death
• High fever
• Loss of appetite
• Red or dark skin patches
• Vomiting and diarrhea

Prevention:

• Buy pigs only from disease-free farms.
• Isolate new pigs for at least two weeks before mixing with others.
• Restrict visitors to your farm.
• Disinfect pig pens regularly.

2. Swine Erysipelas

This bacterial infection affects pigs of all ages and can be prevented with vaccination.

Symptoms:

• Skin lesions with diamond-shaped patterns
• Sudden death in some cases
• Fever and joint pain
• Reduced appetite

Prevention and Control:

• Vaccinate pigs early.
• Maintain clean housing.
• Treat affected pigs with antibiotics prescribed by a vet.

3. Hog Cholera (Classical Swine Fever)

This viral disease looks similar to African Swine Fever and is also very deadly. However, unlike ASF, there is a vaccine for Hog Cholera.

Symptoms:

• High fever
• Red eyes and ears
• Weakness
• Constipation followed by diarrhea
• Death within days if untreated

Prevention:

• Vaccinate piglets from 6–8 weeks old.
• Keep the environment dry and clean.
• Burn or bury dead pigs properly to prevent spread.

4. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

Although more common in cattle, pigs can also contract Foot and Mouth Disease.

Symptoms:

• Blisters in the mouth and on the feet
• Loss of appetite
• Drooling
• Difficulty walking

Prevention:

• Regular vaccination
• Quarantine infected pigs
• Clean feed and water troughs daily

5. Leptospirosis

This bacterial infection affects both pigs and humans. It causes miscarriage in pregnant sows and affects piglet survival.

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Weakness
• Abortion in sows
• Poor growth in piglets

Prevention:

• Use clean water sources.
• Control rats and rodents on the farm.
• Vaccinate breeding pigs.

6. Parasitic Diseases

External parasites like lice and mites, as well as internal worms, cause slow growth and poor feed efficiency.

Prevention:

• Deworm pigs every 2–3 months.
• Spray pens with anti-parasitic solutions.
• Maintain hygiene by changing bedding often.

Vaccination Schedule for Pigs in Nigeria

Vaccination timing varies depending on farm management, but below is a general guide used by most veterinarians:

Pig Age

Vaccine Type

Purpose

6–8 weeks

Hog Cholera Vaccine

Protects against swine fever

10–12 weeks

Erysipelas Vaccine

Prevents bacterial infection

4–6 months

Leptospirosis Vaccine

Prevents abortion and infertility

Every 6 months

Deworming

Controls internal parasites

As needed

Iron injection for piglets

Prevents anemia in young pigs

Note: African Swine Fever has no vaccine. The only way to prevent it is through strict biosecurity measures.

Average Cost of Pig Vaccination in Nigeria

Vaccination costs vary depending on the farm size, location, and vet service fees. Here’s an estimated cost breakdown:

Vaccine Type

Cost per Pig (₦)

Remarks

Hog Cholera Vaccine

₦300–₦500

Single dose protects for 6 months

Swine Erysipelas

₦500–₦700

Given once or twice yearly

Leptospirosis

₦400–₦600

Especially important for breeding pigs

Deworming

₦200–₦400

Every 2–3 months

Iron Injection (piglets)

₦150–₦250

Given at 3–5 days old

Vaccination for a medium-scale pig farm of 100 pigs may cost between ₦80,000 and ₦120,000 yearly, including labor and veterinary services.

Hygiene and Biosecurity Tips

To prevent disease outbreaks, farmers must maintain strict hygiene and control movement on the farm:

• Provide footbaths with disinfectant at the farm entrance.
• Avoid feeding pigs with kitchen waste or leftover food.
• Clean pens and feeding areas daily.
• Dispose of dead pigs immediately and safely.
• Limit visitor access and disinfect equipment regularly.
• Isolate sick pigs immediately.

When to Call a Veterinarian

Anytime you notice sudden loss of appetite, unusual movement, fever, or skin changes in your pigs, contact a certified veterinarian immediately. Early treatment prevents major losses. Never rely on random advice or non-professional drugs from local markets. Diseases like African Swine Fever and Hog Cholera spread fast, so prompt action is essential.

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