Needle-free syringes for administering vaccines to pigs are an innovative technology in animal health. Syringes apply the vaccine using high pressure directly into the skin instead of a traditional needle.

Big Pigs outdoor
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Description of the technology

The technology offers several advantages that make it an attractive option for modern farmers and veterinarians. Some of these advantages are: 

Benefits of needle-free syringes 

 

  1. Reducing stress and pain in piglets - Minimising stress and pain in animals is important for their welfare and development. When piglets are exposed to pain and stress, their bodies can start producing cortisol, a stress hormone that can negatively affect and disrupt their immune response. Needle-free syringes reduce the stress and pain that can be caused by traditional needle sticks. This leads to a more robust immune system in the piglets, increasing the effectiveness of the vaccination and contributing to better health and growth of the animals.

  2. Smaller dose of vaccine used leading to reduced vaccine cost - As the skin is one of the most immunocompetent organs of the body, high-precision intradermal administration can lead to an effective immune response even with smaller doses of the vaccine. This means that farmers can reduce their vaccine costs without compromising the effectiveness of the vaccination. This economic advantage is particularly important for large herds where vaccination costs can be significant.

  3. Reduced risk of disease transmission between pigs - Needle-free syringes eliminate the risk of cross-contamination that can occur through the reuse of needles or through accidental transmission between animals. Using needle-free techniques reduces the risk of disease spreading between pigs at the time of vaccination, contributing to a healthier herd and reducing the need for antibiotics and other medical interventions.

  4. Precise amount of vaccine in the right place - Needle-free syringes are designed to deliver a precise and even dose of vaccine to a specific site in the skin. This ensures that each pig receives the right amount of vaccine and reduces the risk of over- or under-dosing. This precision increases the effectiveness and safety of the vaccination programme, which is crucial for maintaining animal health and welfare.

  5. Easy to use - Needle-free syringes are user-friendly and require less training and time to administer compared to traditional syringes. This is particularly beneficial in larger facilities where fast and efficient vaccination is necessary to maintain productivity and reduce labour costs. The easier handling of the syringes also allows a less experienced staff to perform vaccinations efficiently and safely.

 

Digital benefits of Bluetooth connectivity

These needle-free sprayers can be connected via Bluetooth to an app that gives the user access to important information and statistics from the sprayer. By using this app, farmers and veterinarians can monitor and read various data, such as:

- Battery status: keeping track of the battery level ensures that the sprayer is always ready for use and reduces the risk of running out of battery during ongoing vaccinations.

- Number of injections left to service: Knowing how many injections are left before the syringe needs to be serviced allows the user to plan maintenance well in advance and avoid downtime.

- Number of animals treated: By recording the number of animals treated, farmers can track vaccination coverage and ensure that no animals are missed during the vaccination programme.

Source

 

Contactperson

Sofie Johansson from Gård och Djurhälsan
Photo: Ebba Nordqvist

Gård & Djurhälsan

Sofie Johansson, Coordinator AO, Animal Health and Welfare 

Email: sofie.johansson@gardochdjurhalsan.se
Phone: 013-24 48 49

Gardochdjurhalsan.se

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