Pig-breeding enterprises suffer significant losses if the pig population is infected with helminths. A timely diagnosis and timely treatment help correct the situation. For roundworms there is a drug called Tetramizole 10; the instructions for use indicate that it is suitable for pigs. It is used to destroy the larvae of adult parasites.
Composition and effect of the drug
The remedy for helminths is produced in the form of small, homogeneous white granules. The powder dissolves easily in water.The anthelmintic is sold in packages made of double polyethylene, polyethylene-coated paper, laminated foil bags, and in plastic containers (jars, buckets). The volume of powder in the package varies - from 50 g to 10 kg.
| Name/composition | Tetramizole 10 | Tetramizole 20 |
| The amount of active substance in 1 g of the drug | 100 mg | 200 mg |
"Tetramizole" is a nematicide - a drug that destroys harmful nematodes. Scientists developed it in 1966 for the treatment of various forms of nematodes - gastrointestinal, pulmonary. The drug has a wide spectrum of action, destroys immature (larvae) and mature parasites.
Therapeutic effect of the active substance:
- enhances the cholinomimetic activity of certain parts of the nervous system of nematodes;
- inhibits the production of enzymes;
- causes first paralysis, then death of the parasite.
The medicine is administered to pigs orally. The active substance, entering the gastrointestinal tract, is quickly absorbed by the tissues of the body. An hour after taking Tetramizole begins to act. The therapeutic concentration is maintained for 24 hours. The active substance is excreted from the pig's body with feces and urine.
Indications for use
Parasite eggs enter the pig's body with food and water. Newborn piglets become infected from the sow. Worm larvae are carried by insects and earthworms. Deworming of livestock is carried out for prevention or in case of positive test results. Diseases for which Tetramizole 10 is given to pigs in veterinary medicine are listed in the table.
| Disease | Parasite | Symptoms |
| Ascariasis | Large nematodes | Diarrhea, constipation, exhaustion, poor appetite |
| Esophagostomosis | Small thick nematodes | Fever, diarrhea, lack of appetite, exhaustion, taut stomach |
| Metastrongylosis | Thin nematodes | Cough, shallow breathing, refusal to feed, emaciation, growth retardation |
| Trichocephalosis | Nematode (pork whipworm) | Diarrhea, constipation, depression, poor appetite |
| Strongyloidiasis | Whip nematode | Piglets have diarrhea, high fever, itching, symptoms of pleurisy; in adult pigs the disease is asymptomatic |
Application and dosage for pigs
It is easier to give the drug to piglets with food. The dose of powder for one adult animal is calculated based on weight - 1.5 g of Tetramizole 10 for every 10 kg. Treatment is carried out during morning feeding. The maximum amount of anthelmintic agent per pig is 45 g. Exceeding the norm can cause allergies.
The medicine is given to groups of pigs of the same age and weight. For weakened animals, therapeutic deworming is carried out individually. Pregnant sows receive Tetramizole 10 21 days before farrowing. The granules are mixed well with the food and water is added if necessary. Pig feeders must be cleaned within an hour, only in this case the therapeutic effect of taking the nematicide is guaranteed.
During the year, adult livestock are treated with “Tetramizol” 10 once in the second growing period. In the absence of the required effect, pigs are prescribed a more concentrated drug “Tetramizole” 20. Individually, pigs are treated with an aqueous solution of the drug. To administer it, use a probe or bottle with a nipple. The piglet's head is lifted up, and the dispenser syringe is inserted into the throat.
To prevent re-infection with eggs and larvae of worms, pigs after treatment with Tetramizole are washed and moved to pigsties treated for worms.Pens in which sick animals were kept are sanitized.
Side effects
No serious adverse reactions were identified when treating pigs with Tetramizole. In case of overdose, there is a risk of drug allergies. In severe cases, the animal is prescribed antihistamines. Allergy symptoms:
- increased lacrimation;
- dyspnea;
- vomit.
If the recommended dosage is observed, allergy symptoms occur if the pig has an individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
Possible contraindications
An anthelmintic drug should not be given in parallel or at the same time as other medications. This can cause drug allergies. Other medications can be given 3 days after therapeutic deworming.
"Tetramizole" cannot be used if the pig was treated with drugs containing organophosphorus compounds after therapy with "Pyrantel", "Morantel". Anthelmintic therapy is contraindicated in infected animals and sows in the last 2 weeks before farrowing.
Personal prevention measures
When preparing an aqueous solution, liquid may get into your eyes. Drops of the product should be immediately washed off with a large volume of water at room temperature. The retina and mucous tissues may be damaged. After working with Tetramizole, hands should be washed with soap. Contact with the powder dries the skin.
After therapy, pig meat cannot be eaten for 3-4 days, so they are not sent for slaughter before this period.
Rules and shelf life
The drug is produced in Croatia. Manufacturer Veterina Ltd. The instructions for the medicine indicate the shelf life (2.5 years), and the date of manufacture is on the packaging.If the storage rules are followed, Tetramizole retains its medicinal properties for 2.5 years. Standard storage requirements:
- lack of direct sunlight;
- normal air humidity;
- air temperature not higher than 30 °C;
- lack of nearby food products.
Children and pets should not have access to the drug packaging.
Are there any analogues?
Other veterinary drugs are produced against pulmonary and intestinal nematodes and are used for deworming pigs:
- "Levamisole" 75. The injection solution is injected under the skin, it begins to act 30 minutes after the injection. The drug destroys larvae and mature individuals. The maximum single dose is 20 ml. The active substance is completely eliminated from the body after 7 days.
- "Nilverm" 20. Active substance tetramizole. The anthelmintic drug is given once to fattening pigs at a dose of 75 mg per 1 kg of weight. The deadline for sows is 2 weeks before farrowing. Nilverm 20 is contraindicated for boars.
- "Baymek." The active antihelminthic substance is ivermectin. The product is produced in the form of a 1% solution, packaged in glass containers. Pigs are injected once into the occipital region. The deadline for sows is 4 weeks before the start of lactation. Piglets can be slaughtered a month after treatment.
Tetramizole analogues are stored in a dry place, protected from light. They do not have pronounced side effects. If the dosage is observed, they do not harm animals.
