Your piglet went home fully up to date on all required vaccinations through 6 months of age. These vaccinations should be maintained every 6 months to help protect your pig from serious illnesses and respiratory diseases. Many veterinarians are unfamiliar with the specific vaccination needs of mini pigs, so it is important to work with a vet experienced in swine care. Most of the core vaccines listed below are commonly combined into a single vaccine.
Helps protect against respiratory infections, pneumonia, and other airborne pathogens that can cause severe breathing issues in swine.
About Bordetella bronchiseptica A bacterium that affects the respiratory tract. Can contribute to pneumonia and atrophic rhinitis in swine. Often included in vaccination programs alongside protection against other respiratory pathogens. Spreads through direct contact and respiratory secretions.
Often paired with the Bordetella vaccine and provides additional protection against pneumonia and respiratory disease.
What is Bordetella bronchiseptica? It is a contagious bacterium that infects the respiratory tract of pigs. It damages the tiny hair-like structures (cilia) that help clear mucus and germs from the airways, making pigs more susceptible to respiratory infections and pneumonia. Signs of Infection Coughing Sneezing Nasal discharge Labored breathing Reduced appetite Poor growth in piglets Increased risk of pneumonia How It Spreads Nose-to-nose contact with infected pigs Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing Contaminated equipment, feed bowls, bedding, or clothing Why Vaccinate? Vaccination helps reduce: Severity of respiratory disease Risk of pneumonia Spread of infection within a herd Secondary infections caused by other respiratory pathogens Relationship to Atrophic Rhinitis Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of the primary bacteria involved in atrophic rhinitis, a disease that can cause: Twisted or shortened snouts Nasal inflammation Reduced growth rates Chronic respiratory problems Can Humans Catch It? While uncommon, Bordetella bronchiseptica can occasionally infect people with severely weakened immune systems. In healthy people, infection is rare. Common Vaccine Protection Many swine respiratory vaccines, including combination products such as Rhini Shield TX4, are designed to help protect against Bordetella and other respiratory pathogens that commonly affect pigs. For pet mini pigs, prevention through vaccination, clean housing, proper ventilation, and minimizing stress provides the best protection against Bordetella-related respiratory disease.
Protects against two strains of Erysipelas, a serious bacterial infection in pigs that can also affect humans. This vaccine may also help reduce the risk of streptococcal-related illnesses, including meningitis.
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is the bacterium responsible for swine erysipelas, one of the most important diseases vaccinated against in pet pigs and commercial swine. It can affect pigs of all ages and, unlike many swine diseases, it can also infect humans. What Is It? Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a hardy bacterium that can survive in soil, manure, water, and contaminated environments. Healthy pigs can carry the bacteria in their tonsils and shed it without showing signs of illness. Signs of Infection in Pigs Sudden high fever Loss of appetite Lethargy or depression Lameness and swollen joints Arthritis Heart valve infections Sudden death in severe cases Characteristic diamond-shaped skin lesions (often called "diamond skin disease") How It Spreads Direct contact with infected pigs Contaminated soil, feed, water, or equipment Exposure to manure from infected animals Introduction of carrier animals into a herd Why Vaccinate? Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent erysipelas. Protection helps reduce: Fever and illness Joint damage and chronic arthritis Heart infections Death losses Spread of disease within the herd Can Humans Catch It? Yes. Erysipelothrix is considered a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to people. Human infection usually occurs when bacteria enter through: Cuts or scrapes on the skin Handling infected pigs Contact with contaminated equipment In people, infection often causes: Painful red or purple skin lesions Swelling and inflammation Fever in some cases Most cases are mild, but severe infections can occur in immunocompromised individuals. Important for Pet Pig Owners Because pet pigs often live in close contact with people, routine vaccination is especially important. Good sanitation, proper biosecurity, and regular veterinary care help reduce the risk of infection for both pigs and their families. Fun Fact The "diamond-shaped" skin lesions caused by erysipelas are so distinctive that many veterinarians can strongly suspect the disease just by looking at the pig's skin. Bottom line: Erysipelothrix vaccination protects against one of the most serious bacterial diseases in swine, helping prevent fever, arthritis, heart disease, sudden death, and a disease that can occasionally be transmitted to humans.
Helps prevent upper respiratory infections and pneumonia caused by bacterial pathogens commonly found in swine environments.
What Is It? Pasteurella multocida naturally exists in the respiratory tract of some healthy animals but can become a serious problem when a pig is stressed, exposed to poor air quality, overcrowding, or another respiratory infection. Signs of Infection in Pigs Coughing Sneezing Nasal discharge Difficulty breathing Fever Reduced appetite Poor growth and weight gain Pneumonia How It Spreads Direct contact with infected pigs Respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing Contaminated equipment, feed dishes, and water containers Stressful conditions that weaken the immune system Why Vaccinate? Vaccination helps protect pigs from: Respiratory infections Pneumonia Secondary bacterial infections Reduced growth and performance Severe outbreaks within a herd Pasteurella protection is commonly included in combination respiratory vaccines used in swine. Relationship to Atrophic Rhinitis Pasteurella multocida can produce toxins that damage the nasal structures of young pigs. When combined with Bordetella bronchiseptica, it is a major cause of progressive atrophic rhinitis, which can result in: Crooked or shortened snouts Nasal deformities Reduced growth rates Chronic breathing problems Can Humans Catch It? Yes. Pasteurella multocida is considered a zoonotic bacterium. Human infection most commonly occurs through: Animal bites or scratches Contact with contaminated wounds Exposure to infected animals In people, it can cause: Skin infections Swelling and redness Fever Rarely, more serious infections in individuals with weakened immune systems Prevention Keep vaccinations current. Provide good ventilation. Avoid overcrowding. Maintain clean housing and feeding areas. Reduce stress whenever possible. Isolate sick animals promptly. Important for Pet Pig Owners Pasteurella is often an opportunistic infection, meaning it takes advantage of pigs whose immune systems are already stressed or compromised. Maintaining proper vaccination schedules, nutrition, and housing conditions greatly reduces the risk of disease. Bottom Line: Pasteurella multocida is a significant respiratory pathogen in swine that can contribute to pneumonia, atrophic rhinitis, and chronic respiratory disease. Vaccination and good management practices are key to keeping pigs healthy.
Protects against bacterial infections that can affect both the respiratory and digestive systems.
Bacterin Toxoid is not a specific disease but a type of vaccine. It combines: Bacterin – killed bacteria that stimulate immunity against bacterial infections. Toxoid – inactivated toxins produced by bacteria that stimulate immunity against the harmful effects of those toxins. In swine medicine, bacterin toxoid vaccines are commonly used to protect pigs from bacterial diseases that affect the respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and nervous systems. What Does It Protect Against? Depending on the vaccine formulation, bacterin toxoid vaccines may help protect against: Respiratory infections Pneumonia Enteric (digestive) diseases Clostridial diseases Certain toxin-producing bacteria Secondary bacterial infections Why Is It Important? Bacterial infections can cause: Fever Loss of appetite Diarrhea Respiratory distress Poor growth Reproductive losses Sudden death in severe cases Vaccination helps the pig's immune system recognize both the bacteria and the toxins they produce before illness occurs. Signs of Bacterial Disease in Pigs Coughing Sneezing Labored breathing Diarrhea Weight loss Lethargy Fever Reduced growth rates How Disease Spreads Direct contact with infected animals Contaminated feed or water Unsanitary housing Exposure to manure Stress and overcrowding Why Vaccinate? Bacterin toxoid vaccines help: Reduce disease outbreaks Lower mortality rates Improve growth and feed efficiency Protect against bacterial toxins Strengthen herd immunity Can Humans Catch These Diseases? Some bacterial diseases targeted by bacterin toxoid vaccines are zoonotic, meaning they can occasionally spread between animals and humans. Good hygiene and proper animal handling are always recommended. Important for Pet Pig Owners Pet pigs may have less exposure than commercial swine, but vaccination remains an important part of preventive healthcare. Combined with good nutrition, clean housing, and regular veterinary care, bacterin toxoid vaccines help keep pigs healthy throughout their lives. Bottom Line: A bacterin toxoid vaccine trains a pig's immune system to fight both harmful bacteria and the toxins those bacteria produce, providing broader protection against serious bacterial diseases.
Tetanus vaccination is extremely important for pigs, as tetanus infections can become fatal very quickly if left untreated.
Tetanus Tetanus is a serious and often fatal disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The bacteria are commonly found in soil, manure, dust, and animal environments. When they enter the body through a wound, they produce a powerful toxin that attacks the nervous system. What Is It? Unlike many diseases, tetanus is not spread from pig to pig. Instead, infection occurs when tetanus bacteria enter the body through: Cuts and scrapes Puncture wounds Surgical sites Hoof injuries Castration wounds Umbilical (navel) infections in piglets Signs of Tetanus in Pigs Muscle stiffness Difficulty walking Locked jaw ("lockjaw") Difficulty eating or drinking Muscle tremors Rigid legs Arched back Sensitivity to sound or touch Difficulty breathing Sudden death in severe cases How It Affects the Body The tetanus toxin attacks nerves and prevents muscles from relaxing normally. As the disease progresses, muscles become increasingly rigid and painful. Commonly affected areas include: Jaw muscles Neck muscles Legs Breathing muscles Why Vaccinate? Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent tetanus. Benefits include: Protection against a deadly toxin Reduced risk after injuries or surgeries Long-term immunity Prevention of painful muscle spasms and paralysis How Common Is It? Tetanus is less common in pigs than in some other livestock species, but when it occurs it is often severe and carries a high mortality rate. Prevention is far easier and more successful than treatment. Can Humans Catch It? No. Tetanus is not contagious between pigs and humans. However: Both pigs and humans can become infected from the same contaminated environment. Everyone working around livestock should keep their own tetanus vaccinations current. Prevention Maintain routine vaccinations. Keep housing clean and dry. Properly disinfect surgical instruments. Monitor wounds closely. Seek veterinary attention for deep puncture wounds or injuries. Important for Pet Pig Owners Pet pigs often enjoy rooting and exploring outdoors, which increases their exposure to soil where tetanus bacteria naturally live. Even a small wound can provide an entry point for infection, making vaccination an important part of preventive healthcare. Fun Fact Tetanus bacteria can survive in soil for years as hardy spores, which is why complete elimination from the environment is nearly impossible. Bottom Line: Tetanus is a life-threatening neurological disease caused by toxins produced by Clostridium tetani. Because treatment can be difficult and survival rates are low in severe cases, vaccination remains the best protection for pet pigs and farm pigs alike.
• Parvovirus (Swine Parvo) – Species-specific and cannot be transmitted between dogs and pigs.
• Leptospirosis
• E. Coli
• Swine Fever
These additional vaccines are typically given only to breeding stock and pigs raised in larger farm environments where exposure risks are higher. Vaccinating breeding sows helps provide piglets with early maternal immunity to many of these diseases during their first weeks of life.
Additional Breeding Herd Vaccinations The following vaccines are typically administered to breeding animals and pigs raised in larger farm settings where disease exposure risks are greater. These vaccinations help protect breeding stock and allow mother pigs (sows) to pass valuable maternal antibodies to their piglets through colostrum during the first days of life. • Swine Parvovirus (PPV) Swine Parvovirus is a reproductive disease that can cause infertility, fetal death, mummified fetuses, and smaller litter sizes in breeding sows. This virus is species-specific, meaning pigs cannot transmit parvovirus to dogs, and dogs cannot transmit parvovirus to pigs. • Leptospirosis Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect both animals and humans. In breeding pigs, it may cause fever, reproductive failure, abortions, stillbirths, and weak piglets. Vaccination helps reduce the risk of infection and reproductive losses. • E. Coli Certain strains of Escherichia coli can cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, and illness in newborn piglets. Vaccinating breeding sows helps pass protective antibodies to their piglets, providing early protection during their most vulnerable weeks of life. • Swine Fever Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause fever, weakness, loss of appetite, hemorrhaging, and high mortality rates. Vaccination programs are used in regions where the disease is present or where prevention measures are required. Why Are These Vaccines Given to Breeding Stock? Vaccinating breeding animals provides two important benefits: Protects the sow or boar from disease and reproductive losses. Provides maternal immunity to piglets, helping protect them during the first weeks of life before their own immune systems are fully developed. For most pet mini pigs, these vaccines are not routinely required because they are not exposed to the same disease pressures commonly found in breeding facilities, commercial farms, or large swine operations. However, vaccination recommendations may vary based on geographic location, herd size, and veterinary guidance.
