sick and injured pig guidelines for veterinarians 2012
TRANSCRIPT
1
AUSTRALIAN PIG VETERINARIANSSICK AND INJURED PIG GUIDELINES FOR VETERINARIANS 2012
Prepared by the APV Welfare Subcommittee Trish Holyoake, Kirsty Richards and Peter McKenzie
Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (May, 2012). Users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely is up to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate State legislation and Veterinary Boards.
2 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION
In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the welfare of animals reared for food and fibre, with greater concern for those reared “intensively” (including pigs). Public concerns over animal welfare have recently resulted in the voluntary phase-out of stalls for housing pregnant sows and temporary bans of live cattle exports. It is likely that consumer concerns over animal welfare will play an even greater role in influencing how food-producing animals are reared and managed in the future.
Veterinarians play a major role in protecting animal health and welfare. We achieve this by not only relieving animal suffering, but by preventing adverse welfare incidents arising. Veterinarians working at the “coal face” play a major role in maintaining pig welfare during farm visits, by examining pigs and advising their clients on the best way to manage the health and welfare of the animals in their charge.
In 2010, the Australian Pig Veterinarians (APV) unanimously supported the development of guidelines for management of sick and injured pigs, with the following objectives:
» to identify legislative responsibilities of producers and stockpersons relevant to pig welfare in all states of Australia
» to advise veterinarians of their legal responsibilities when dealing with adverse welfare events on-farm
» to develop a standardised set of guidelines for veterinarians regarding the treatment and management of sick and injured pigs.
It is likely that the pig industry will need to be increasingly transparent in the coming years, to address concerns of the general public regarding animal welfare. Welfare legislation is likely to change in response to these concerns, so this document will need to be reviewed as these evolve.
These guidelines are the result of the hard work of the APV Welfare Subcommittee, consisting of Kirsty Richards, Peter McKenzie and Trish Holyoake. Invaluable assistance was provided by Kevin Doyle of the Australian Veterinary Association.
This guide has been developed in consultation with Australian Pork Limited and is acknowledged in the producer’s guide to the care and management of compromised, sick or injured pigs The Care of the Compromised Pig, Ed 1 2012.
The APV acknowledge, with gratitude, the support provided by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health in the printing of this document.
Page
Introduction 3
Producer and Stockperson Responsibilities – Relevant Legislation and Prescribed Standards 4
Examples of Prosecutable Offences 7
Decision Tree – Management of Sick and Injured Pigs 8
Veterinarian Responsibilities 9
Sick and Injured Pig Triage Document
General Guidelines
Body System/ConditionBody ConditionEarEyeIntestineHernias LimbsCentral nervous signs (CNS)/NeurologicalProlapsesReproductiveRespiratorySkinTail
10
10
111111111212131313141414
Hospital Pens 16
Special Notes HerniasEuthanasia
18
Prescribing Medications for Use in Australian Pigs 19
References 22
4 5
PRODUCER AND STOCKPERSON RESPONSIBILITIES
Under Australia’s Constitution, each state and territory is responsible for its own animal welfare legislation, including aspects of the care of sick and injured pigs.
Producers and stockpersons should be aware of their obligations under legislation applicable to the state in which their pigs are housed.
In addition, responsibilities relating to the care of sick and injured pigs are described in the Australian Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals, Pigs (2007) (MCOP). The MCOP is referenced in different ways in the animal welfare legislation of the different states and territories.
The Australian Animal Welfare Strategy, developed by the Australian Government, State and Territory governments, with the Industry and Community, and managed by the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) on behalf of stakeholders, is currently working to achieve harmonisation across governments to produce consistent welfare regulatory outcomes for livestock throughout Australia. Their mandate includes a review of Model Codes of Practice to deliver Australian animal welfare standards and guidelines, which are regulated by state governments and working with industry to promote self regulation through the implementation of quality assurance programs as a mechanism to apply these standards. Further information on this strategy is available at Animal Health Australia - Australian Animal Welfare Strategy
At the time of printing of this document the following applied (Animal Health Australia, 2011; Australian Pork Limited):
New South Wales
Relevant legislation and prescribed standards
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (General) Regulation 2006Exhibited Animals Protection Act 1986Animal Research Act 1985
Comment The Animal Welfare Code of Practice — Commercial Pig Production has been introduced under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (General) Regulation 2006
Queensland
Relevant legislation and prescribed standards
Animal Care and Protection Act 2001
Comment Standards from the MCOP have been adopted into the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 through the Animal Care and Protection Amendment Regulation 2010.
The process of adopting the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for the Land Transport of Livestock into the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 has begun.
South Australia
Relevant legislation and prescribed standards
Animal Welfare Act 1985Animal Welfare Variation Regulations 2009 (No 218 of 2009) - Reg 12 (Part 5 - Pigs) SA Livestock Act 1997
Comment The 2009 pig welfare regulations that enforce the Animal Welfare Act 1985 (i.e. Regulation 12, Part 5), are based on the standards set by the MCOP. They have been effective since November 1, 2009.
The Act now allows for inspectors to visit private premises or vehicles without a warrant and without suspicion of any offence, to conduct a routine inspection of animals. The RSPCA commenced these inspections in late 2011.
A Herd Health Program, “approved by the Minister”, that identifies potential health and biosecurity risks to the pig and specifies actions to manage these risks must be available for examination at an inspection. From June 2011, if you are QA accredited but have not transferred from APIQ to APIQ® you will be regarded as having an approved Herd Health Program. The new APIQ® program does not currently include an approved Herd Health program but is expected to have one by 2012.
South Australia is regulating the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for the Land Transport of Livestock as they are developed and is amending the Animal Welfare Act 1985 to address most of the agreed legislative provisions required for national consistency in animal welfare laws.
Further information can be obtained from PIRSA.
Victoria
Relevant legislation and prescribed standards
Livestock Management Act 2010Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 Pig Welfare Standards and Guidelines
Comment The Victorian Livestock Management Act 2010 commenced on 1 January 2011. It encompasses the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for the Land Transport of Livestock and the MCOP. This Act provides a single, consolidated regulatory framework for livestock management standards. It also provides for a new co-regulatory mechanism that formally recognises commercial and existing industry compliance arrangements, including quality assurance schemes that demonstrate compliance with animal welfare standards.
6 7
Tasmania
Relevant legislation and prescribed standards
Animal Welfare Act 1993Animal Welfare Standard-Tasmania No 5
Comment The Tasmanian Government has announced that it will adopt the majority of standards in the revised MCOP but will go further than the code and phase out dry sow stalls. Regulations are currently being developed under the Animal Welfare Act 1993 that will legislate most of the code and ban the use of dry sow stalls mid 2012. A program of random inspections of intensive piggery and poultry premises has been implemented in conjunction with the RSPCA to ensure that producers are complying with animal welfare standards. This program will be extended to other livestock industries as animal welfare standards are developed
Western Australia
Relevant legislation and prescribed standards
Animal Welfare Act 2002 Animal Welfare (Pig Industry) Regulation 2010
Comment The Animal Welfare (Pig Industry) Regulations 2010, derived from the nationally agreed standards in the MCOP, were proclaimed in November 2010. The Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for the Land Transport of Livestock has been promoted among transporters, livestock producers and saleyard operators, particularly the ‘fit to load’ requirements. They received ministerial approval in 2009 but were not in regulation at December, 2011.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Relevant legislation and prescribed standards
Animal Welfare Act 1992
Comment The ACT government has created three new offences under the Animal Welfare Act 1992: reckless failure to comply with a code of practice (maximum penalty 100 penalty units), failure to comply with a mandatory code of practice (maximum penalty 50 penalty units) and failure to comply with a direction from an authorised officer regarding a mandatory code (a penalty unit is currently $110).
Northern Territory
Relevant legislation and prescribed standards
Animal Welfare Act
Comment The current Act was introduced in 2000, updated in 2007 and has been under review since 2009. The review process includes public consultation on the Act, promotion of animal welfare and the implementation of a training structure for animal welfare officers and inspectors. This process was ongoing in January, 2012.
EXAMPLES OF PROSECUTABLE OFFENCES
Below are a number of examples of adverse welfare incidents and the penalties that may result under current welfare legislation.
Example 1:
A group of cull sows is transported a distance of 300km from a farm near Wagga Wagga to Forbes saleyard in the back of an uncovered trailer in the middle of summer. Upon arrival, one sow is found dead as a result of heat stress and the remaining sows are sunburnt as a direct result of the trip. Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the producer could be fined $5,500 or face 6 months imprisonment for the sunburnt pigs (cruelty) and/or be fined $22,000 and face 2 years’ jail for the dead sow (aggravated cruelty).
Example 2:
A grower pig is detected in lairage at an abattoir in Victoria with a severe tail bite extending into its back so vertebrae are exposed. This pig had not been isolated from its pen-mates when the bite was first detected by the farmer two weeks prior to dispatch and no treatments have been given. Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the owner or person in charge of this pig could be prosecuted for cruelty for failing to provide veterinary or other appropriate attention or treatment for the animal. The fine for cruelty in Victoria is 120 penalty units ($122.14/pu) or 12 months jail for an individual and 600 pu for a body corporate.
Example 3:
A weaner pig is showing signs of meningitis (lying on its side, lack of co-ordination, inability to feed and drink, paddling) on a farm in the Northern Territory. The pig has been treated once daily for the last 3 days with penicillin and an anti-inflammatory. It is showing no signs of recovering and is becoming increasingly weaker. Under the Animal Welfare Act, 1992, if the animal is suffering, the owner or person in charge of this pig could be prosecuted for neglect for failing to take reasonable action to alleviate the suffering – ie. euthanasing the non-responding animal in a timely manner.
Example 4:
An outdoor pig producer in Western Australia who has owned pigs for two months and has no prior pig experience is inserting nose rings into his pigs’ noses to prevent excessive destruction of his pasture. Under the Animal Welfare (Pig Industry) Regulations 2010, nose ringing is defined as a “significant husbandry procedure” and must only be carried out by a “suitably qualified” person or by a person acting under the direct supervision of a suitably qualified person. In Western Australia, this person would not be “suitably qualified” as (at a minimum) they have not been responsible for at least 12 months for the care of pigs in a business in which pigs are kept, or used, for commercial purposes and which has had in place during that period a herd health programme. This person risks a fine of $2500.
8 9
DECISION TREE - MANAGEMENT OF SICK AND INJURED PIGS
Animal welfare - Veterinarians treating sick and injured pigs must ensure that the welfare of each pig is prioritised. They must also be familiar and compliant with the 2007 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals, Pigs (MCOP) and relevant state legislation.
When a stockperson detects a sick or injured pig, they have a number of decisions to make regarding the most appropriate way of treating and managing the animal. The flow chart below summarizes an appropriate decision-making process. Producers can use this decision tree to assist them in deciding whether the pig should be treated, sent for salvage slaughter or euthanased.
Note: Failure to act to manage a sick or injured pig is not acceptable in any situation. Pigs must not be sent to a saleyard/abattoir unless they are Fit to Load and it is ensured that they are pain-free both during transit and in any period required to clear a medication WHP/ESI prior to transit.
VETERINARIAN RESPONSIBILITIES
At the time of writing of this document, reporting of welfare concerns by veterinarians was not mandatory at a legal/regulatory level in any state of Australia. It is anticipated that this may change in the future.
Veterinarians must remain compliant with all relevant legislation, and additionally must act in a professional and ethical manner at all times. The following is provided as a guide for veterinarians working in the pig industry.
• Veterinarians should be familiar and at all times compliant with animal welfare, pharmaceutical and veterinary legislation relevant to the State/States in which they are practising.
• Veterinarians should also be familiar with the MCOP. It is recommended that veterinarians have ready access to a copy of this document, as a reference in the course of daily practice.
• Veterinarians should advise clients of their obligations under relevant legislation and with respect to the MCOP.
• Veterinarians should discuss with clients, concerns that arise with relation to the care and management of sick and injured pigs, and to other welfare concerns, when detected during the course of daily practice. Veterinarians should additionally document these concerns, in writing, to their client. It is recommended that veterinarians provide advice as to possible solutions, and that a time frame for resolution is presented to the client. It is also recommended that the veterinarian put in place a mechanism to review and re-evaluate the status of noted concerns.
• The importance of the veterinarian in supporting and educating clients with respect to the care and management of sick and injured pigs, and welfare in general, is emphasised.
• Veterinarians should at all times maintain timely, accurate and up-to-date records of all instructions given to clients regarding the detection and management of health and welfare concerns, including advice notes for the treatment of sick or injured pigs.
• Veterinarians who are also auditors under the Australian Pig Industry Quality Assurance Program (APIQ®) may have additional responsibilities when identifying welfare concerns.
References1. Model Code of Practice. 2. Herd Health Plan. 3. Vet Treatment Guide. 4. Fit to Load guide.
DECISION TREE - MANAGMENT OF SICK AND INJURED PIGS
Are you confident you know what you’re looking at?
Contact your
superior
Contact your vet2,3
OrIs it treatable? Consider -
1) Suitabilty for continued production/breeding;2) Compliance with MCOP1
Treat and house as per veterinary guidelines3
Does the pig show signs of
response within
24-48hrs? Continue treatment
Return to pen
Recovery Pen Salvage cull4
Is it suitable for transport?
No and unlikely to improve
Euthanase
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at i
s u
nd
er t
rea
tme
nt a
nd
fails
to im
pro
ve, o
r de
terio
rate
sx
Pig
less
tha
n 5
0% o
f ave
rag
e w
eig
ht o
f pe
n/s
he
lter m
ate
s
x
Eye
Blin
dBl
ind
in b
oth
eye
sx
Blin
d in
on
e e
ye
x
x
Oth
er E
yeA
ny o
cu
lar c
on
diti
on
resu
ltin
g in
imp
ed
ime
nt t
o p
ig’s
ab
ility
to w
alk
, ea
t, d
rink
or o
the
rwis
e b
eh
ave
no
rma
llyx
Inte
stin
e
Dia
rrh
oe
a/s
co
urs
Mild
sc
ou
rs w
ith n
o b
loo
d in
an
oth
erw
ise
brig
ht,
ale
rt a
nd
resp
on
sive
pig
tha
t is
ea
ting
an
d d
rinki
ng
no
rma
lly
xx
Pro
fuse
an
d/o
r blo
od
y sc
ou
rs (
2a if
resu
lts in
de
terio
ratio
n a
s p
er l
ine
be
low
)
xx
Sco
urs
ass
oc
iate
d w
ith p
oo
r bo
dy
co
nd
itio
n, c
on
cu
rren
t sys
tem
ic il
lne
ss, o
r im
pa
cte
d a
bili
ty to
ac
ce
ss fe
ed
or w
ate
r
x
Sco
ur o
f any
na
ture
ass
oc
iate
d w
ith e
xtre
me
ab
do
min
al p
ain
x
Pot b
elly
pig
Blo
ate
d a
bd
om
en
x
Rec
tal s
tric
ture
Losi
ng
co
nd
itio
n, b
loa
ted
ab
do
me
n, +
/- h
isto
ry o
f re
cta
l pro
lap
sex
12 13CN
S/
Ne
uro
log
ica
l
Diffi
cu
lty s
tan
din
g
Para
lysi
sx
Do
wn
er p
ig, r
ec
um
be
nt a
nd
un
ab
le to
sta
nd
an
d/o
r wa
lkx
Sym
pto
ms
of m
en
ing
itis
- re
cu
mb
en
t, p
ad
dlin
g, r
ed
uc
ed
aw
are
ne
ss &
/or r
esp
on
sive
ne
ss, a
bn
orm
al e
ye m
ove
me
nts
xx
He
ad
tilt/
ab
no
rma
l b
eh
avi
ou
r
Sym
pto
ms
of m
idd
le e
ar i
nfe
ctio
n -
he
ad
tilt,
he
ad
/ea
r sh
aki
ng
, +/-
oth
erw
ise
brig
ht,
ale
rt a
nd
resp
on
sive
an
d e
atin
g
an
d d
rinki
ng
no
rma
lly, +
/-sy
mp
tom
s si
mila
r to
me
nin
giti
s if
seve
re
xx
Sym
pto
ms
of m
en
ing
itis
- re
cu
mb
en
t, p
ad
dlin
g, r
ed
uc
ed
aw
are
ne
ss/r
esp
on
se, a
bn
orm
al e
ye m
ove
me
nts
, he
ad
tilt
xx
Ca
teg
ory
Ac
tion
1Im
me
dia
te e
uth
an
asi
a
2aH
osp
italiz
e, t
rea
t, re
view
at l
ea
st tw
ice
da
ily, e
uth
an
ase
if n
o re
spo
nse
to tr
ea
tme
nt w
ithin
24-
48h
2bH
osp
italiz
e, t
rea
t, re
view
at l
ea
st tw
ice
da
ily, e
uth
an
ase
if n
o re
spo
nse
to tr
ea
tme
nt w
ithin
2-1
0d
3Le
ave
in p
en
, tre
at,
insp
ec
t an
d re
view
at l
ea
st tw
ice
da
ily
4Tr
an
spo
rt to
ab
atto
ir fo
r pro
ce
ssin
g, p
rovi
din
g F
it to
Lo
ad
& p
ain
fre
e d
urin
g W
HP/
ESI c
lea
ran
ce
pe
riod
& in
tra
nsi
t
An
ti-in
flam
ma
tory
an
alg
esi
c p
rep
ara
tion
s st
ron
gly
rec
om
me
nd
ed
. A
na
lge
sia
mu
st b
e u
sed
wh
ere
sig
nifi
ca
nt p
ain
is e
vid
en
t or l
ike
ly to
oc
cu
r
Ca
teg
ory
Ac
tion
1Im
me
dia
te e
uth
an
asi
a
2aH
osp
italiz
e, t
rea
t, re
view
at l
ea
st tw
ice
da
ily, e
uth
an
ase
if n
o re
spo
nse
to tr
ea
tme
nt w
ithin
24-
48h
2bH
osp
italiz
e, t
rea
t, re
view
at l
ea
st tw
ice
da
ily, e
uth
an
ase
if n
o re
spo
nse
to tr
ea
tme
nt w
ithin
2-1
0d
3Le
ave
in p
en
, tre
at,
insp
ec
t an
d re
view
at l
ea
st tw
ice
da
ily
4Tr
an
spo
rt to
ab
atto
ir fo
r pro
ce
ssin
g, p
rovi
din
g F
it to
Lo
ad
& p
ain
fre
e d
urin
g W
HP/
ESI c
lea
ran
ce
pe
riod
& in
tra
nsi
t
An
ti-in
flam
ma
tory
an
alg
esi
c p
rep
ara
tion
s st
ron
gly
rec
om
me
nd
ed
. A
na
lge
sia
mu
st b
e u
sed
wh
ere
sig
nifi
ca
nt p
ain
is e
vid
en
t or l
ike
ly to
oc
cu
r
12a
2b3
4
He
rnia
Scro
tal/
Um
bili
ca
l
Exte
nsi
vely
da
ma
ge
d, i
nfe
cte
d, u
lce
rate
d, b
lee
din
g, fl
y b
low
n o
r with
co
nc
urre
nt p
oo
r co
nd
itio
n/
oth
er d
ise
ase
x
He
rnia
resu
ltin
g in
imp
ed
ime
nt t
o p
ig’s
ab
ility
to w
alk
, ea
t, d
rink
or o
the
rwis
e b
eh
ave
no
rma
llyx
Any
he
rnia
larg
er t
ha
n 3
0cm
or t
ou
ch
ing
the
gro
un
dx
He
rnia
s th
at a
re o
uts
ide
the
ab
ove
crit
eria
x
x
Lim
bs
Lim
b o
r Dig
it in
jury
/ill
ne
ss
Lim
b b
roke
nx
Co
mp
lete
ly n
on
we
igh
t-be
arin
g o
n a
lim
bx
Part
ial w
eig
ht-b
ea
ring
on
a li
mb
x
x
Swel
ling
of a
ny jo
int t
o m
ore
tha
n tw
ice
norm
al s
ize re
ga
rdle
ss o
f im
pa
ct o
n g
ait
and
/or a
bilit
y to
acc
ess
feed
and
wa
ter
x
Swe
llin
g o
f any
join
t to
less
tha
n tw
ice
no
rma
l siz
e; g
ait
ma
y b
e m
ildly
affe
cte
d b
ut p
ig is
ab
le to
we
igh
t be
ar o
n a
ll lim
bs
an
d is
ab
le to
ac
ce
ss fe
ed
an
d w
ate
r with
ou
t diffi
cu
lty
xx
Dig
it m
issi
ng
an
d/o
r un
de
rlyin
g b
on
e/t
en
do
ns
exp
ose
dx
Sup
erfi
cia
l da
ma
ge
/te
ar t
o c
law
x
x
Sup
erfi
cia
l wo
un
d in
a lo
ca
lise
d a
rea
xx
Ma
rke
d s
up
erfi
cia
l wo
un
ds
affe
ctin
g m
ulti
ple
lim
bs
an
d/o
r ext
en
sive
are
as
of a
n in
div
idu
al l
imb
x
Ero
sive
or u
lce
rate
d s
kin
lesi
on
exp
osi
ng
to m
usc
le, b
on
e o
r te
nd
on
x x
Burs
itis
- sw
elli
ng
at b
ony
pro
min
en
ce
tha
t is
no
t in
flam
ed
an
d d
oe
s n
ot a
ffec
t ga
it
x
Diffi
cu
lty s
tan
din
g
Para
lysi
sx
Do
wn
er p
ig, r
ec
um
be
nt a
nd
un
ab
le to
sta
nd
an
d/o
r wa
lkx
In e
xtre
me
dis
tress
wh
en
en
co
ura
ge
d to
sta
nd
x
Diffi
cu
lty w
alk
ing
Fre
ely
ab
le to
sta
nd
an
d w
eig
ht b
ea
r on
all
limb
s, b
ut e
xtre
me
dis
tress
wh
en
en
co
ura
ge
d to
wa
lkx
x
Fre
ely
ab
le to
sta
nd
& w
eig
ht b
ea
r on
all
limb
s b
ut a
bili
ty to
ac
ce
ss fe
ed
/wa
ter a
ffec
ted
, or p
red
isp
ose
d to
bu
llyin
g
x
Fre
ely
ab
le to
sta
nd
on
all
limb
s; g
ait
is a
ffec
ted
bu
t pig
is a
ble
to a
cc
ess
fee
d a
nd
wa
ter w
itho
ut d
iffic
ulty
x
x
Pro
lap
ses
Rec
tal p
rola
pse
Sma
ll (l
ess
tha
n tr
otte
r siz
e o
f sa
me
siz
e p
ig)
fresh
, in
tac
t pro
lap
se in
an
oth
erw
ise
brig
ht,
ale
rt a
nd
resp
on
sive
pig
tha
t is
ea
ting
an
d d
rinki
ng
no
rma
lly -
Iso
late
on
farm
& tr
ea
t, o
r tra
nsp
ort
to a
ba
ttoir
ind
ivid
ua
lly w
ithin
72
ho
urs
x
x
Exte
nsi
vely
da
ma
ge
d, b
lee
din
g, i
nfe
cte
d o
r fly
blo
wn
pro
lap
sex
Pro
lap
se th
at i
s n
ot a
ble
to b
e re
pla
ce
d b
y a
co
mp
ete
nt p
ers
on
, usi
ng
pa
in re
lief,
with
in 4
8 h
ou
rsx
Any
un
trea
ted
pro
lap
se >
72
ho
urs
old
x
Ute
rine
pro
lap
seA
ny u
terin
e p
rola
pse
with
ou
t effe
ctiv
e v
ete
rina
ry in
terv
en
tion
with
in 6
ho
urs
x
Vag
ina
l pro
lap
seA
ny v
ag
ina
l pro
lap
se w
itho
ut e
ffec
tive
ve
terin
ary
inte
rve
ntio
nx
Rep
rod
uc
tive
Farro
win
g d
iffic
ulty
No
n-p
rod
uc
tive
(n
o p
igle
ts b
ein
g p
rod
uc
ed
) w
ith v
isib
le s
ign
s o
f so
w d
isc
om
fort
an
d/o
r su
spe
ct r
eta
ine
d p
igle
ts w
ith
sig
ns
of s
yste
mic
illn
ess
x
Pro
du
ctiv
e –
pig
lets
be
ing
pro
du
ce
d a
fter i
nte
rve
ntio
n (
me
dic
al/
ma
nu
al)
(fa
rrow
ing
cra
te m
ay
fun
ctio
n a
s h
osp
ital
pe
n)
x
Ma
stiti
sM
ild to
sev
ere
ma
stiti
s w
ith o
r with
ou
t ass
oc
iate
d il
l th
rift,
ero
sio
n/u
lce
ratio
n/a
bsc
ess
atio
n o
f ma
mm
ary
tiss
ue
x
Ute
rine
pro
lap
seA
ny u
terin
e p
rola
pse
with
ou
t effe
ctiv
e v
ete
rina
ry in
terv
en
tion
with
in 6
ho
urs
x
Vag
ina
l dis
ch
arg
eM
ild v
ag
ina
l dis
ch
arg
e in
an
oth
erw
ise
he
alth
y so
w
xx
Pro
fuse
an
d/o
r ma
lod
ou
rou
s a
nd
/or p
uru
len
t va
gin
al d
isc
ha
rge
an
d/o
r blo
od
y u
rine
x
x
Vag
ina
l pro
lap
seA
ny v
ag
ina
l pro
lap
se w
itho
ut e
ffec
tive
ve
terin
ary
inte
rve
ntio
nx
BOD
y Sy
STEM
S/C
ON
DIT
ION
S
BOD
y Sy
STEM
S/C
ON
DIT
ION
S
BOD
y Sy
STEM
S/C
ON
DIT
ION
S
BOD
y Sy
STEM
S/C
ON
DIT
ION
S
14 15Ca
teg
ory
Ac
tion
1Im
me
dia
te e
uth
an
asi
a
2aH
osp
italiz
e, t
rea
t, re
view
at l
ea
st tw
ice
da
ily, e
uth
an
ase
if n
o re
spo
nse
to tr
ea
tme
nt w
ithin
24-
48h
2bH
osp
italiz
e, t
rea
t, re
view
at l
ea
st tw
ice
da
ily, e
uth
an
ase
if n
o re
spo
nse
to tr
ea
tme
nt w
ithin
2-1
0d
3Le
ave
in p
en
, tre
at,
insp
ec
t an
d re
view
at l
ea
st tw
ice
da
ily
4Tr
an
spo
rt to
ab
atto
ir fo
r pro
ce
ssin
g, p
rovi
din
g F
it to
Lo
ad
& p
ain
fre
e d
urin
g W
HP/
ESI c
lea
ran
ce
pe
riod
& in
tra
nsi
t
An
ti-in
flam
ma
tory
an
alg
esi
c p
rep
ara
tion
s st
ron
gly
rec
om
me
nd
ed
. A
na
lge
sia
mu
st b
e u
sed
wh
ere
sig
nifi
ca
nt p
ain
is e
vid
en
t or l
ike
ly to
oc
cu
r
12a
2b3
4
Resp
irato
ry
Co
ug
hin
g o
r sn
ee
zin
g in
an
oth
erw
ise
brig
ht,
ale
rt &
resp
on
sive
pig
tha
t is
ea
ting
an
d d
rinki
ng
no
rma
lly
x
Diffi
cu
lty b
rea
thin
g (
thu
mp
ing
) &
/or c
ou
gh
ing
with
evi
de
nc
e o
f lo
st c
on
diti
on
an
d/o
r sys
tem
ic o
r oth
er c
on
cu
rren
t ill
ne
ss o
r im
pe
dim
en
t to
fee
d/w
ate
r in
take
x
Seve
re re
spira
tory
dis
tress
x
Skin
Ab
sce
ss
Loc
alis
ed
ab
sce
ss in
an
oth
erw
ise
brig
ht,
ale
rt a
nd
resp
on
sive
pig
tha
t is
ea
ting
an
d d
rinki
ng
no
rma
lly
xx
Mu
ltip
le a
bsc
ess
es
or a
loc
alis
ed
ab
sce
ss w
ith s
ign
s o
f co
nc
urre
nt i
ll th
rift
x
Ab
sce
ss re
sulti
ng
in im
pe
dim
en
t to
pig
’s a
bili
ty to
wa
lk, e
at,
drin
k o
r oth
erw
ise
be
ha
ve n
orm
ally
xx
Erys
ipe
las
Ch
ara
cte
ristic
ski
n le
sio
ns
in a
n o
the
rwis
e b
righ
t, a
lert
an
d re
spo
nsi
ve p
ig th
at i
s e
atin
g a
nd
drin
kin
g n
orm
ally
x
A p
ig d
em
on
stra
ting
sig
ns
of i
ll th
rift,
feve
r, d
ete
riora
tion
, la
me
ne
ss/s
tiffn
ess
/re
luc
tan
ce
to m
ove
, ext
en
sive
ski
n le
sio
ns
an
d/o
r in
ab
iliy
to a
cc
ess
ad
eq
ua
te fe
ed
or w
ate
r
x
Wo
un
ds
an
d p
ress
ure
so
res
Sup
erfi
cia
l wo
un
d in
a lo
ca
lise
d a
rea
x
x
Sup
erfi
cia
l wo
un
ds
affe
ctin
g a
n e
xte
nsi
ve a
rea
or m
ulti
ple
pa
rts
of b
od
y (E
g w
ou
nd
s fro
m fi
gh
ting
)
x
Ero
sive
or u
lce
rate
d s
kin
lesi
on
exp
osi
ng
to m
usc
le, b
on
e o
r te
nd
on
xx
Tail
Tail
biti
ng
Tail
inta
ct;
sup
erfi
cia
l wo
un
d in
a lo
ca
lise
d a
rea
; min
ima
l ble
ed
ing
an
d n
o e
vid
en
ce
of d
isc
ha
rge
or i
nfe
ctio
n
xx
Tail
no
t in
tac
t with
evi
de
nc
e o
f ble
ed
ing
an
d/o
r in
fec
tion
x
Tail
exte
nsi
vely
da
ma
ge
d o
r mis
sin
g a
nd
de
ep
er t
issu
e e
xpo
sed
; wo
un
d m
ay
exte
nd
into
ba
se o
f sp
ine
x
BOD
y Sy
STEM
S/C
ON
DIT
ION
S
Intentionally left blank
16 17
HOSPITAL AND RECOVERy PENS
Sick, injured and recovering pigs are compromised populations and require special care and attention to optimise their health, welfare and chance of recovery.
Compromised pigs:• are less competitive for feed and water than healthy pigs
• require more rest than healthy pigs
• are at risk for bullying by other pigs, including other sick, injured and recovering pigs
• may have special heat/cooling requirements
As a minimum, all hospital and recovery pens used in the management of sick and injured pigs must provide:
• a clean, dry, warm and draft-free environment
• adequate warmth for the class/category of pig being housed in them. Heat provision mechanisms include but are not limited to the use of heat lamps, bedding, covered areas and/or situation of the pen in a warm location.
• well drained conditions without accumulation of excess dung
• a solid area for all pigs to lie
• at least the minimum space requirements for pigs, as per the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals (Pigs)
• feed that is fresh, good quality, appropriate to age/stage/condition and readily accessible to all pigs in the pen.
• fresh, clean (potable), cool water that is readily accessible and ideally close to the feed source
• easy access to facilitate and ensure twice daily monitoring, recording and treatment of pigs, and to minimise any associated stress to pigs.
• adequate lighting and ventilation
• protocols to minimise the risk of spread of disease. For example foot baths, disinfection, hand washing, pen hygiene and staff management.
Note: Pigs should not be housed in isolation except where there is no alternative option available or where it is deemed most appropriate for their health and welfare.
All pigs in a hospital or recovery pen must be:• clearly identified on an individual basis and treatment records maintained to monitor duration of
illness of individual pigs and response to treatment. This ensures compliance with welfare obligations and enables timely identification and euthanasia of pigs that are not responding to treatment. Individual identification and treatment of pigs also minimizes the risk of violative chemical residues at processing.
• checked at least twice daily by a competent stock-person, and treated where relevant, under veterinary advice.
• easily able to access feed and water with ease. Where pigs are unable to feed or drink on their own, for example where their mobility is impaired, feed and water must be provided to them at least twice daily, more often according to conditions, and these activities should be recorded on treatment sheets/hospital records.
• stocked with consideration given to size, age, condition (illness/injury) and severity. For example, avoid housing small, less competitive pigs with larger/more active pigs that may bully them. Also avoid housing pigs with infectious conditions e.g. scours/coughing with pigs with injuries. Pigs under treatment should not be housed with recovering pigs.
• housed with consideration for their individual social needs. In most cases pigs should not be housed in isolation. Exceptions include but may not be limited to pigs suffering from meningitis.
It is recommended that pigs that are compromised in their ability to access feed or water, or otherwise likely to be subjected to compromised welfare, are housed separately to pigs that are able to adequately ambulate and access feed and water. In this way, compromised animals are less likely to be subjected to bullying or other negative welfare outcomes. It is recommended that housing strategies for compromised pigs comprise:
• leaving pigs in their home pen, providing this is not detrimental to their recovery. Movement between pens, including to a hospital pen, represents a source of stress for pigs.
• hospital pens – for pigs actively undergoing treatment and/or with compromised ability to access feed or water and/or pigs that might otherwise be subject to compromised welfare.
• recovery pens – for pigs that are recovered, recovering and/or otherwise able to carry out basic eating/drinking/behavioural functions without risk of compromised welfare.
• return of pig to general pig population where no evidence of potential compromise to pig welfare is deemed likely.
Persons managing hospital pens must ensure that:• staff treating and caring for sick, injured and recovering pigs meet industry competency
requirements. These are available from state livestock authorities and from Australian Pork Limited at Stockperson Training and Competency Requirements.
• sufficient hospital pens and space are available to house sick and injured pigs
• sufficient time is allocated each day to monitor and manage hospital and recovery pens.
• individual stock are inspected at least twice daily, treated (where relevant), monitored for duration of illness and response to treatment and records kept.
• where pigs do not respond to treatment (refer to Categories and Actions in this guide), that euthanasia is carried out promptly and humanely.
• hospital pens and recovery pens, and the pigs housed in them, are managed in accordance with the MCOP and the minimum standards for hospital pens and hospitalised pigs described in this document.
• stock are managed such that individual pigs are not bullied, including by other sick, injured or recovering pigs in the hospital pen. Recovery pens are recommended as a means of ensuring that the welfare of acutely sick and/or injured pigs is not compromised by those more fit and able.
Special considerations are needed in the care of pigs demonstrating signs of meningitis. These include that:
• pigs suffering meningitis represent a major potential welfare concern. These pigs must be managed with intensive care, supportive and medical treatment and monitoring. Pigs should be checked every 2-3 hours and provided with oral supportive therapy in the form of feed and water. Where these conditions cannot be guaranteed it is recommended that affected pigs be euthanased.
• pigs suffering meningitis that do not demonstrate a drink reflex should be euthanased.
• hospital facilities for pigs with meningitis should be dark and quiet, and pigs should be housed in isolation in the early recovery period.
• under no circumstances should a recumbent pig suffering meningitis be housed such that it may be subject to physical trauma and/or over-stimulation caused by other pigs.
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SPECIAL NOTES
Euthanasia of Pigs
As per the MCOP, which contains further information on the humane destruction of pigs, the APV advises that:
• the method of destruction must cause sudden unconsciousness, with death occurring whilst the pig is unconscious.
• euthanasia must only be carried out by a person who is suitably trained to perform euthanasia.
In addition, the APV recommend that blunt trauma only be used for piglets in the period prior to weaning and under 10kg bodyweight. Blunt trauma should not be used in any pig after the point of weaning, or in any pig over 10kg regardless of its weaning status.
Hernias and Rectal Prolapses
As at the time of printing of this document, the APV has identified the management of hernia and rectal prolapse conditions as areas requiring further research.
Veterinarians treating sick and injured pigs must comply with both Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation relating to the supply and use of veterinary medicines and pesticides. Breaches of relevant legislation or of Australian Veterinary Association guidelines could constitute unprofessional conduct.
Veterinarians must also be aware of quality assurance requirements pertaining to Australian piggeries under the Australian Pork Industry Quality Assurance Program (APIQ®). Breaches to APIQ® food safety, animal welfare, biosecurity, traceability and/or quality standards may impact on the certification of individual producers and hence their capacity to sell livestock. Furthermore breaches to APIQ® may have far-reaching consequences for the Australian Pig Industry as a whole, compromising domestic and export markets.
Full detail regarding prescription and dispensing of medications is outlined in the Australian Veterinary Association Guidelines for Prescribing, Authorising and Dispensing Veterinary Medicines, available at AVA Prescribing Guidelines
APV specific guidelines are in the process of being drafted.
Further detail regarding APIQ® is available at www.apiq.com.au
When prescribing medication for use in pigs, veterinarians must ensure that they consider -
• Food producing animals - Pigs in Australia are food producing animals and as such may be subject to restrictions in the use of certain medications. Any group of pigs may be considered to be a herd, and the definition of a single pig varies by state. Compounds generally considered to be banned for use in food-producing animals are listed below.
• Anabolic steroids
• Antithyroid agents – e.g. thiouracils, carbimazol, mercaptobenzimidazol, tapazol
• Beta agonists – clenbuterol, salbutamol, except ractopamine (registered for use in pigs in Australia)
• Carbadox
• Chloramphenicol
• Chloroform
• Chlorpromazine
• Colchicine
• Coumaphos
• Dapsone
• Dihydrostreptomycin (streptomycin)
• Dimetridazole
• Fluoroquinolones – e.g. enrofloxacin, difloxacin
• Gentamicin
• Glycopeptides – e.g. Avoparcin, vancomycin
• Nitrofurans
• Nitroimidazoles – e.g. metronidazole, ronidazole, ipronidazole
• Resorcyclic acid lactones
• Stilbenes/oestrogens – e.g. diethylstilbestrol
PRESCRIBING MEDICATIONS FOR USE IN AUSTRALIAN PIGS
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• Unregistered products – Unregistered products should not be used to treat food-producing animals, excluding single animals and as per specific state legislation. The definition of a “single animal” varies by state.
• Off Label use – Off label use is prescribed use in a manner outside those permitted by approved label directions, including species, dosage, and treatment interval. When a medication is used off label:
• use must not occur contrary to a specific restraint.
• products banned for use in food-producing animals must not be used at all, unless specific state legislation allows their use on single animals, as defined in their legislation.
• use should only occur where a product is already registered in at least one major food producing species.
• veterinarians must ensure that consideration is given to the prevention of illegal residues in edible products. An appropriately long WHP/ESI should be established and provided, in writing, to the client.
• all treated animals should be identified in a manner that ensures identification through to expiry of any relevant WHP/ESI.
• chemicals formulated for oral or external use must not be used by injection.
• human medicines should not be used for treatment of food-producing animals where approved veterinary medications are available.
• the veterinarian assumes full legal responsibility for the use of any drug contrary to as registered and on the manufacturer’s label and/or when an unregistered chemical is used.
• clients must be informed of off-label use and documented consent should be obtained.
• records of off-label prescription, use or supply should be kept
• off label use of non-restricted (non S4) medications by owners of food producing animals is illegal.
• Restraint labels - detail under a specific Restraint heading prohibits any off label use in contravention of that statement. Veterinarians must not prescribe any chemical for use contrary to a Restraint statement. Other restraint labels, for example those commencing with DO NOT, may apply only in certain jurisdictions, including Queensland and Victoria.
• General – Veterinarians prescribing medications for use in pigs should ensure:
• species knowledge – an adequate knowledge of the species being treated.
• therapeutic need – including consideration of potential residues in pigs for food production.
• client understanding – regarding use of medications, including dose, route, method of administration, side effects and, importantly, applicable withholding periods (WHP) and export slaughter intervals (ESI).
Note – For off-label use of medications in food-producing animals, the responsibility for advising on WHPs, ESIs and administration directions rests with the veterinarian. Written advice should include, as a minimum:
• name of product
• date of treatment
• identification or description of stock to be treated
• appropriate WHPs and ESIs
• client competence – where medications are dispensed for use by a “responsible agent” rather than directly by the veterinarian, the veterinarian must ensure that the intended user is adequately competent. Industry competency requirements must be observed. Information regarding these can be obtained at www.australianpork.com.au or www.apiq.com.au
• records – must be kept, including treatment advice details and all off-label use. A duplicate of any advice note or prescription must be retained by the veterinarian.
• identification of all treated animals – ideally permanently (eg ear tag) but at all times sufficient to ensure identification through to expiry of any applicable WHP/ESI.
PRESCRIBING MEDICATIONS FOR USE IN AUSTRALIAN PIGS
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Animal Health Australia. (2011). Animal Health in Australia 2010. Canberra. Australia. pp 96-107. Retrieved from http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Animal-welfare.pdf
Australian Veterinary Association. (2005). Guidelines for Prescribing, Authorising and Dispensing Veterinary Medicines. Retrieved from http://www.ava.com.au/sites/default/files/documents/Other/Guidelines_for_prescribing_authorising_and_dispensing_veterinary_medicines.pdf
Australian Pork Limited. (2011). PigPass NVD Explanatory Notes, List 2, 2011. Retrieved from http://www.pigpass.com.au/pigpasstest/documents/explanatorynotes.pdf
Australian Pork Limited. State Animal Welfare Legislation Summary. Retrieved from http://www.australian-pork.com.au/pages/page72.asp
Primary Industries Standing Committee. (2008). Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals – Pigs 2007. CSIRO Publishing. Retrieved from http://www.publish.csiro.au/Books/download.cfm?ID=5698
REFERENCES
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