Did you know that switching needles for every animal in a 300-head herd can cost up to $600? At an average of $2 per needle, this practice ensures safety but comes at a high cost.
With Sterineedle, you can safely sterilise the needle between animals and only replace it when blunt on average every five animals. This reduces your needle usage and lowers costs while maintaining safe and hygienic vaccination practices.
Potential Savings:
Traditional Needle Cost: $600 (one per animal)
Sterineedle Cost: $120 (one per five animals)
Savings: Up to $480 per 300 head!
Invest in Sterineedle to reduce expenses, protect your livestock, and ensure high welfare standards.
“Good hygiene doesn’t have to cost a fortune—save smart with Sterineedle.”
Cost Saving
The Role of Needle Hygiene in Preventing Abscesses
Proper needle hygiene is a critical factor in preventing abscesses in livestock, which are not only painful for animals but can also lead to significant economic losses.
The Impact of Abscesses on Meat Quality
In 2015, over 1.2% of sheep carcasses and approximately 6.5% of cattle carcasses in England were rejected from meat works due to abscesses. These infections often stem from bacteria introduced by dirty or improperly sterilised needles during vaccinations.
What Are Abscesses?
Abscesses are localised pockets of pus caused by infections. They typically occur at injection sites when bacteria enter the minor wound created by a needle.
Composition: Pus consists of dead cells, bacteria, and tissue debris, encapsulated by fibrous tissue.
Causes: Contaminated needles and poor injection practices.
Health and Welfare Impacts
Pain and Distress: Inflamed abscesses can cause significant discomfort, leading to reduced movement, feeding, and overall health.
Impaired Mobility: Abscesses near joints, the neck, or limbs can restrict walking, grazing, or drinking.
Systemic Infections: Untreated abscesses may result in septicemia, spreading bacteria through the bloodstream, causing fever and lethargy, and potentially becoming fatal.
Open Wounds: Ruptured abscesses can expose animals to secondary infections like flystrike or cellulitis.
Preventing Abscesses with Needle Hygiene
Use Sterile Needles: Always use clean, sterilised needles for each animal or sterilise between uses.
Monitor Injection Sites: Inspect for swelling or redness after vaccinations.
Early Treatment: Address abscesses promptly to prevent complications and ensure the animal’s well-being.
Investing in proper needle hygiene practices not only improves animal welfare but also protects the quality of your livestock products. For more detailed guidance, consult veterinary best practices.
Animal Health
The use of dirty or improperly sterilised needles in livestock management can lead to the transmission of a range of harmful diseases. These practices can compromise animal health and also may result in economic losses and welfare concerns.
When a needle is reused without proper sterilisation, pathogens from one animal can be transferred directly to another. This method of disease transmission bypasses the natural barriers of the immune system, introducing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens directly into the bloodstream of the animal.
Common Diseases Spread by Unclean Needles
Using unclean needles can spread several serious diseases within a herd:
Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD):
This disease affects cattle, causing reduced fertility, decreased milk production, and slower growth rates. BVD is a common issue globally, affecting approximately 80% of dairy and beef herds in New Zealand.Clostridial Diseases:
These diseases, including tetanus and blackleg, affect sheep, cattle, and goats. They are often fatal if untreated. While not typically widespread, clostridial diseases are highly infectious. Contaminated needles with soil or feces, significantly increase exposure to these bacteria.Johne’s Disease:
This disease, primarily spread through contaminated feed, can also be exacerbated by needle sharing. It affects sheep and cattle, causing chronic intestinal damage, and reduced productivity.Other Diseases:
Salmonellosis and Anaplasmosis are additional diseases commonly transmitted through unsterilised needles, posing risks to herd health and productivity.
Protect Your Herd
Investing in proper needle hygiene, like Sterineedle, is a simple and effective way to safeguard your animals' health, enhance productivity, and maintain your high welfare standards. For more information on vaccination and disease prevention, consult your vet or refer to veterinary guidelines.
