At what stage do pigs typically receive a leptospirosis vaccination?

Pigs typically receive a leptospirosis vaccination at the pre-breeding stage. This timing is crucial because leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect reproductive health, leading to issues such as poor conception rates, abortions, and stillbirths. Vaccinating prior to breeding helps ensure that sows and gilts have adequate immunity against the disease, which can then protect the offspring as well.

By administering the vaccine before breeding, it allows for the development of a strong immune response in the breeding stock, which is essential for preventing the transmission of leptospirosis during mating and gestation. This proactive approach helps maintain herd health and productivity, making it a vital part of herd management practices.

While vaccination at other stages, such as before birth, at weaning, or during growth, may be important for overall health, they do not specifically address the prevention of reproductive issues caused by leptospirosis in breeding animals. Hence, the focus on pre-breeding is particularly strategic in controlling the disease's impact on pig production.